Elberton
Joseph Spencer Tiller Sr., 78, of Elberton, passed away November 26th at University Nursing and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by family and friends. Despite a continued battle with Alzheimer’s, Spencer proclaimed the saving grace of God every day and is now at home with Jesus in heaven. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He led a life as big as his love for God. He spent time riding horses while working on ranches, built homes, owned Empire Construction and spent 21 years serving the residents of Good Samaritan Retirement Village in Kissimmee, Florida. Spencer spent two years attending seminary but felt his calling was to support the church more than to lead it. He attended Millstone Baptist Church and served for many years in North Kissimmee Baptist Church as Deacon and as the Assistant Pastor before moving back to his native Georgia. Regardless of what he was doing, he always shared the saving grace of God with those around him. He never missed an opportunity to help those in need. Even in the nursing home, Spencer could be found carrying out the Great Commission by telling others about Jesus. He was a humble man who made a bigger than humble impact on those who knew him.
Spencer was born in Oglethorpe County to Sara Jo Tiller (Dye) and Junius S. Tiller. In 1980, he left Georgia with his family to pursue new opportunities in Florida then returned to settle in the Athens area in 2001 to be near his children. He attended Living Word Baptist Church. His joys in life were God, his family, his church and his friends.
Spencer was preceded in death by his grandson, Dustin but is survived by many generations. He is survived by his devoted wife Ann of 57 years and his children (and their spouses): Deborah Byrd (Tiller) and (Anthony Byrd), Joseph Tiller Jr. and (Donna Tiller), Chris Tiller and (Darcy Tiller) and Jason Tiller and (Jennifer Tiller); his grandchildren, Misty Byrd, Kristy Ogletree (Byrd). Tony Byrd, Sarah B. Tiller, Jonathan Tiller, Joseph Tiller III, Robert Tiller, Cassie Tiller, Zoie Tiller, Paige Tiller, Luke Tiller, Michael Tiller, Katelynn Tiller, Kelsey Tiller, and Kaya Tiller; his great grandchildren, Sophia, Elijah, Caiden, Easton, Cameron, Kayla, Nikalis and N`kya.
A memorial service was held at Living Word Baptist Church with a reception following for family and friends. Spencer was buried in Oconee Memorial Park.
Honorary pallbearers will be deacons of Living Word Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service had charge of the arrangements.
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