Tilman Trammell Blakely Jr.

Tilman Trammell Blakely, Jr. of St. Simons Island, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 12, 2024 at the age of 86. Tilman, a native of Griffin, Georgia, was predeceased by his parents Tilman Trammell Blakely Sr. and Dorothy J. Blakely and a nephew, Greg D. Coyne.

Tilman was an active member of the Griffin community and enjoyed being surrounded by and working with capable and forward thinking people. Known for his thoughtfulness and compassion for others, his fun loving nature and clever wit, he was blessed with many treasured and enduring friendships. He enjoyed a special love of music and musical history. His passion for Southern Rock and the Blues led him to learn to play the guitar and he became a very proficient and entertaining guitarist. Some of his other pastimes included pickleball, fly fishing and sailing and in his younger years motorcycles. Most recently he hand crafted walking sticks for his Parkinson’s friends. Tilman and Susan built their residence on St. Simons with a plan of making it their permanent home and they became members of St. Simons United Methodist Church. Tilman lived a life centered on his faith in Jesus Christ, the most influential presence in his life.

Tilman is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan Gregory Blakely of St. Simons Island; two sisters, Dottie O’Connor (Nick) of Smyrna, GA, and Peggy Furlow of Athens, GA, sister in law Lida Coyne (Jimmy) of Romance AR, brother in law Watt Gregory (Nancy) of Little Rock, AR; nieces and nephews Dorothy O’Connor, Jimmy O’Connor (Krissy), Laura Plank (Jeff), Eileen Webb (Ben), Mack Furlow (Luci), Meg Parker and Ashley Smith, Simmons Kirkpatrick and Steve Decker, Catherine Gregory (Nathan Joblin), Lida Ramey (David), and Sarah Jetton; a number of great nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to Tilman and Susan as “GUT and GAS” and special adored friends Allan and Iben Vestergaard.

Special acknowledgement to Tilman’s many four legged family members past and present for their unconditional love and companionship over the years, in particular his current companions Izzy and Jazzy.

The family wishes to express their grateful appreciation to caregivers, Necresha Pickney, Melvin Sullivan, and Connie Johns and the members of Glynn County’s Parkinson’s Support Group.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 17th in the Chapel of St. Simons United Methodist Church, 624 Ocean Blvd., St. Simons Island.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to St. Simons United Methodist Church, 624 Ocean Blvd., St. Simons Island, GA 31522 or the Glynn County’s Parkinson’s Support Group by reaching out via email to [email protected] or by donating to them online at www.givebutter.com/TilmanBlakely

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com