William "Bill" T. Tiller

Born in Williamson, West Virginia, on October 20, 1939, Bill was a hardworking, curious, and determined man whose extraordinary life journey took him from the coal fields of Appalachia to the forefront of Naturopathic Health.

As a young man, Bill and his family moved from the coal mines of West Virginia to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where new opportunities awaited in the potash mines. It was in the fall of 1959, at the age of 19, that Bill met the love of his life, Jeri Copeland, on a blind date while attending cosmetology school—he as her test client, and she as the first “Miss Teen New Mexico.” They eloped in June 1960, beginning a marriage that would span over 65 years.

Early in their marriage, Bill worked in the uranium mines near Grants, New Mexico—grueling and hazardous labor that ultimately affected his health. Yet, even when diagnosed with lung fibrosis, his resilience and determination never waned. Together, Bill and Jeri moved to California and then to Columbus, Ohio, where they raised their three children—Tom, Charles, and Misty. Bill pursued many trades and professions: journeyman meat cutter, electrician, plumber, gas station owner, Income Tax Accountant, journeyman Carpet Layer, Massage Instructor for over 20 years, and entrepreneur—always with a fierce commitment to providing for his family. In addition, he completed his private pilot license and purchased a Cessna 172 Plane.

In 1978, the family relocated to Houston and eventually settled in San Antonio, Texas. By 1980, Bill and Jeri had built a successful auto glass business with the help of their sons in both San Antonio and Austin. Bill trained many young men to replace auto glass, instilling pride in their work. In 1989, at the age of 50, Bill suffered a major heart attack that damaged 30% of his left ventricle. True to form, he saw this not as a setback but as a turning point.

Motivated by a desire to heal and help others, Bill embarked on a new path in holistic health. He enrolled in a naturopathic program, completed internships in Philadelphia and Washington State, and earned his licensure in Washington, D.C. During his studies, he discovered the benefits of closed-system colon hydrotherapy—a practice he would integrate into his wellness work, profoundly improving the lives of countless individuals, including his beloved Jeri.

Bill’s passion for natural healing and advocacy for high standards in the field led him to leadership roles within the profession. He served as Vice President of the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT) from 1992 to 1994, then as President from 1995 to 1999. In 2000, he became the founding President of the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy (NBCHT), serving until 2005. Many of the foundational content developed by Bill is still used by future Therapists today. Students trained by Bill to become certified colon hydrotherapists praised his teaching techniques for helping them pass exams.

Together with Jeri—who developed the revolutionary open-system LIBBE colon hydrotherapy device—Bill became a mentor, teacher, and respected leader in the field. The Tillers’ shared vision and commitment to innovation made a lasting impact on clients and practitioners alike.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Merle; his brothers, Dennis, George, and Eli; his nephews, Joe, Kelly, and Toby; his niece, Jody; and his sister-in-law, Donna.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Jeri Tiller; his sons Tom (Jennifer) and Charles; his daughter Misty, a successful attorney, and her husband Zack; siblings Arlen Karr and John L. (Connie) Tiller; along with many beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a wide network of friends, colleagues, and mentees around the world who were touched by his kindness, ingenuity, and perseverance.

Gunshot in the Arm, accidents at uranium mines, Heart attack, Cancer, Broken Hip, gallbladder removed, colonoscopy perforation, and most recently, a defibrillator could not slow him down.

Bill Tiller’s life was a testament to grit, reinvention, and unwavering love. His legacy lives on in the lives he changed and the hearts he inspired. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Animal Defense League of Texas - San Antonio. https://adltexas.org/donation/