Wednesday, October 14, 2026
By Submitted Story on September 21, 2026
Rex Dewey Tillett, born on December 28, 1961, passed away peacefully at his home in Manteo, NC, on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the age of 64.
Rex was a man whose presence could light up any room. He was sunshine in human form—the kind of person who could walk into a room and make it brighter just by being there. He had an incredible ability to make anyone laugh, no matter how difficult the day had been. His humor, kindness, and genuine love for people made everyone around him feel special. He gave joy freely and left a little light wherever he went. To know him was to laugh with him and love him. That light will live on in everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
Rex had many friends whom he loved dearly. He never met a stranger. Having owned a trucking company, he had friends in many locations around North Carolina and from New Bedford, Massachusetts, to Southern Florida. He was well known for his ability to operate heavy equipment in land development. Generous to a fault, he was known to have taken from his pocket his latest paycheck and given it to a friend who was in danger of losing their home. Rex never hesitated to share what he had with anyone in need. He dearly loved his family, especially his mom and dad. Rex will be missed by a huge community of friends and family.
Rex is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Richard “Dick” and Helen Scarborough; his paternal grandparents, Hughes, Sr. and Lessie Tillett, and Ruby Wise Buff and Jack Buff.
Rex is survived by the love of his life, his son, Wyatt Tillett; and his granddaughters, Emmalyn Grace Tillett and Miley Dough. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Shaylynn Dough; his stepdaughter, Christin Stroud; stepson, Dustin Stroud (Mandy); Wyatt’s mother, Laura; and her grandchildren, Parker, Taylor, Logan, Blaze, and Faith. Rex also leaves behind his sister, Julie Owens, and her husband, R.V. Owens; his very special nephew, Bo Owens and his wife, Kayla, and their children, Cora and Bo; and his Goddaughter and niece, Shanonn Owens Gilliam and her husband, Noah Gilliam.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Manteo First Assembly, with Pastor Ivey Belch and Pastor Stephen Wescott officiating the service. Friends may visit with the family in the connect center of the church immediately following the service. A private burial will take place at Manteo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mt Olivet United Methodist Preschool by mail at P.O. Box 787, Manteo, NC, 27954 (https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z4SJ/campaign/C-12B82), or Manteo First Assembly Youth Group by mail 812 Wingina Ave, Manteo, NC 27954 (https://manteofirstag.com/give-online).
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks, 500 Budleigh Street, Manteo, NC, is honored to serve the Tillett family. Condolences and memories may be shared on Rex’s obituary page at www.TwifordFH.com.
