Kennith William Tillery

Mr. Kennith William Tillery, age 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. 

Mr. Tillery was born February 24, 1940, in Buchanan, Georgia, son of the late Clyde Tillery and Vera Brown Tillery. 

Mr. Tillery proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He would then go on to build a career as a machinist at Lockheed Martin where he retired after thirty plus years. Mr. Tillery enjoyed "tinkering' in his shop, restoring old Camaros and C10 trucks. He loved to spend time outdoors and enjoyed cutting his grass. Of all of his hobbies, watching NASCAR was one of his favorites. All were welcome to watch with him, but they were lovingly expected to do so quietly. Mr. Tillery was a loving husband to his wife Sue Cochran Tillery for sixty five years. Together they built a home where their family loved to be. Their home was the place where grandchildren retreated for days at a time and knew they were always welcomed and loved. He was fondly referred to as "papa" and was sure to make each grandchild and great-grandchild feel special. In his last days, Mr. Tillery found great joy in his routine walks to the mailbox retrieving packages for his children and grandchildren. Mr. Tillery leaves a legacy of steadfast love, dedication, and kindness. His presence will be missed in the lives of all who knew and loved him. 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Tillery is preceded in death by a beloved grandson, Jesse Davidson; and siblings: Glatha Barber, and Elwyn Tillery. 

Mr. Tillery is survived by his loving wife of sixty five years, Mrs. Sue Cochran Tillery; children: Karen Martin, Kris Tillery (Grace), and Jeffrey Tillery (Robyn); eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren; siblings: Joyce Ledford, and Ralph Tillery (Jane); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 3:00 PM, at Smith & Miller Funeral Home, with Pastor James Cordell officiating. A eulogy will be given by his great-granddaughter, Sydney Bree Sorrells. Interment will follow in Polk Memory Gardens. Military Rites will be provided by the Bown Wright Post 12 Honor Guard. 

Mr. Tillery's family will receive friends, also on Sunday at the funeral home, from 1:00 PM until the service hour. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Hayden Smith, Caleb Tillery, Owen Tillery, Alex Wheeler, Neyland Hulsey, and Josh Tillery. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Martin, Jake Hulsey, Troy Wheeler, and Beau Cates. 

Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Kennith William Tillery.