Mr. Jesse William "J.W." Tillman, 86, of Adel, Georgia, passed away February 28, 2017 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born on September 29, 1930 in Colquitt County to the late Covington and Orabell Hart Tillman.

Jesse was self-employed as a carpenter for many years until his illness forced him to retire and he took great pride in his building abilities. He enjoyed playing his mandolin and listening to bluegrass music and was always ready for a fishing trip with his children, family, friends and especially his wife. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Jesse was of the Christian faith and enjoyed reading his Bible.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 62 years, Delores Tyson Tillman of Adel; three sons: Sidney Tillman and Randy Tillman of Adel, and Andy Tillman of Atlanta, Georgia; four grandchildren: LaRae Tillman Sills and her husband Travis, Keith Tillman, Amanda Tillman Ramshead and her husband Patrick, and Jason Tillman and his wife Liza, all of Adel; three great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Lewis and Jan Tillman of Jacksonville, Florida; two sisters and brothers-in-law: Avenell and Wilbur C. Folsom and Tessie and John Vickers, all of Hahira, Georgia; sister-in-law, Pam Tyson Felts and her husband Larry Felts of Adel; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jesse was preceded in death by a daughter, Tina Michelle Tillman, and a brother, Drayton Tillman.

The funeral service was held Friday March 3, 2017 at 11 AM in the Chapel of Boone Funeral Home with speakers Pam Felts, Andy Tillman and Rev. Bill Marlette. Interment followed at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family received friends Thursday evening March 2, 2017 from 6 until 8 PM at Boone Funeral Home. Terry Tillman, Duane Tillman, T-Bo Tillman, Dee Ritter, James Sirmans and Travis Sills served as pallbearers. "The Time You Gave Me" and "Leave It There" were special musical selections played during the service. Edwin Tillman also provided piano music and played "How Great Thou Art". Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.boonefunerals.com. --Boone Funeral Home is serving the Tillman family.