Mr. Samuel Joe Tillman of LaGrange, Georgia passed away Friday March 7, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church of Franklin on Saturday April 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time. His service will be officiated by his son, Rev. Drew Tillman; his pastor, Rev. Andrew Owensby; and members of his family.

The family will post a link to the service on Facebook for those who wish to view it remotely. Interment will follow at Franklin City Cemetery with military honors.

Samuel J. Tillman was born in Moultrie, GA on December 22, 1935 to the late Sam Tillman and Gladys Wilkes Tillman.

He joined the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of Major before retiring in 1977. He was a pilot and flew reconnaissance missions during two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was scheduled to go a third time after his training on the Cobra helicopter, but his orders were canceled. Upon retiring from the Army in 1977 after 20 years of service, he worked at various jobs until he found his dream job teaching pilots for Republic, Northwest, and Delta Airlines.

Most important of all, Sam gave his life to Jesus Christ and served Him faithfully until his death. He loved his wife, Betsy, for 57 years. Now they are reunited in Heaven. He dedicated his life to raising and loving his children and grandchildren. He was always there for them. He had no hobbies that took him away. He had his priorities right: God. Family. Others. Though we miss him terribly, we know we will see him again!

"What joy 'twill be when we get over yonder,

And join the throng around the glassy sea,

And join our loved ones and crown Christ forever!

Oh this is just what Heaven means to me!"

Survivors include: his brother, David Tillman (Martha); seven children: Stan Tillman (Regina), Drew Tillman (D'Ann), Alice Tillman Bryant (Bret), Anna Tillman, John Tillman (Rose), Sarah Tillman, and Paul Tillman (Erica); 16 grandchildren: Ashley Valdez (Andrew), Hannah Tillman, Andrew Tillman, Stephen Tillman, Jena Tillman, Jefferson Tillman, Emma Tillman, Charlie Tillman, Gloria Tillman, Samuel Tillman, Julia Tillman, Kinley Tillman, Bronson Tillman, Carson Tillman, Sara Ann Carlisle (Trey), and Lily Bryant; multiple nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betsy Gilliland Adams Tillman, and his sister, Jean Tillman Chait.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a couple of charitable organizations Sam loved: Gideons International, Our Daily Bread, and DAV: Disabled American Veterans.

Those who wish may write memorial tributes at www.stuttsfuneralhome.com.

Stutts Funeral Home of Franklin, GA in charge of arrangements.