John Michael Tillman

Survivors include his mother, Ruby Bell Tillman, his daughters Andrea Tillman, Emily Casper, and Samantha Pedroza and husband Rolando. He was PawPaw to his seven grandchildren: Kyleigh Tillman; John, Luke, and Kinsey Casper; and Nathaniel, Julian, and Elijah Pedroza. He was brother to Pam (Renny) Manus, Kay (Mark) Isley, and Beth (Larry) Thomas. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, cousins, and many friends to cherish his memory.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Hudson Tillman and his father, Robert Mitchell Tillman.

Born January 17 in Decatur, Alabama, Mike moved to Athens at the age of three. During his years of growing up in Athens, he was one of “Kelly’s Boys” spending countless hours at the Y and Pine Tops. He traveled with Kelly throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico.

He was a 1973 graduate of Clarke Central High School where he played football for the Gladiators. He attended Gainesville Junior College and the University of Georgia. In 1977, he joined AZ Services with his father Bob Tillman and brother-in-law RC Manus. He was co-owner and vice president of the company. He retired after 44 years.

He was a friend to many. Mike loved cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and watching Nascar racing.

A private graveside service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park. In this time of COVID, there will be no other services or visitation. In the near future, when we gather, we will share memories of Mike.

Should you want to make a donation in Mike’s memory, please consider:

The YMCA (915 Hawthorne Avenue, Athens, GA 30606) or The Loran Smith Cancer Center (Attn: Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation, 1199 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30606).

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.