William "Bill" Alred Tillotson Jr.

A Celebration of Life for William Alred Tillotson, 73, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away January 18, 2025, unexpectedly. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1951. Bill graduated from Salisbury High School and received his Doctorate in Philosophy from The University of Missouri Columbia.

Bill dated the love of his life, Pamela Davenport, for six years before they married on June 18th in 1983 and lovingly celebrated their wedding vow renewal in June of 2008. They shared over 41 amazing years together and numerous adventures around the world filled with wonderful memories.

Throughout his life Bill participated in many local organizations, groups and leagues. He was a little league coach, a business leader, a City Council Nominee, and a Planning and Zoning Committee member. Bill was a Winery enthusiast, a passion he loved sharing with his wife. Bill enjoyed being active and being outdoors. From bowling to softball, golfing to camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking and even gardening. But overall, he loved being social and being surrounded by you, his friends and family.

Bill loved helping people tailor their individual insurance, financial and estate planning needs. He assisted people in the industry for almost 5 decades through Reserve National, New York Life, Progressive, Allstate and Naught-Naught Agency. Later he became an independent agent and owner under his own brand, Tillotson Insurance Company.

As mentioned, it was evident in every day of Bill’s time with us that he had a deep passion for friends and family. Often going out of his way to make new friends and connections, while ensuring those around him felt loved, safe, and included. He was a stranger to nobody and friend to everyone. Anyone who met Bill, made a friend for life.

He was survived by his wife Pamela, step-mother Ann Tillotson, daughter Robin Gray and her husband Aaron Gray, JD Tillotson and his wife Beth Tillotson, his son Kris Tillotson and spouse Justin Tillotson, his grandchildren Hunter, Dane and Evan Gray and Damon and Cooper Tillotson, his brothers Rebecca Hardin, Mike Struabie, Cathy Staubie-Pitts, Kimber Turner and Melody Tillotson as well as his three dogs Phoebe, Mickie and Lanie.

Bill was preceded in death by father Alred Tillotson, mother, Dorothy Bledsoe, brothers Danny Straubie and Jason Morris.

A Gathering of Friends will be held 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, Friday, February 7, 2025 at Memorial Funeral Home, Columbia, Missouri. Burial for family only, please.

Donations to St. Jude’s in honor of Bill’s memory are welcome. St. Jude’s helped Bill overcome a life-threatening disease at a young age, one he wasn't expected to pull through. Help make the same impact for others to enjoy this wonderful thing we all share together, life. Contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 US, https://www.stjude.org/.