Leonard Lester Tillis

Mr. Leonard Lester Tillis, 91 of Blackshear, passed away Friday, November 6, 2020, at his residence.

Born in Sanford, FL on May 19, 1929, he had lived in Sanford for several years before moving to Pierce County over 40 years ago.  He served in the National Guard as a drill sergeant and would go on to work for CSX Transportation where he would retire as a welder/machinist.  For many years Mr. Lester and his late wife, Mary Ann, had enjoyed going to Spruce Pine, NC where they would mine for gemstones.  He so enjoyed showing people his finds and was always willing to help people learn how to mine and know what to look for.  Mr. Lester had also enjoyed furniture and wood refinishing/repairing.  He loved giving backrubs to people no matter where they were at and boy did he give some good ones!  He also loved going to Jerry J’s every morning with the other “coffee drinkers” and visiting with everyone.  For many years he dedicated his time to the Pierce County Food Pantry and enjoyed all the work that they did for our community. He was the 2016 recipient of the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce’s Bright Spot award and it was well deserved! Mr. Lester was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Blackshear and was in the Wesley II Sunday school class.  He was the sweetest, kindest man and will be missed by us all.    

He was a son of the late Leonard Clarence & Lillie Edith Matthews Tillis.  In addition to his wife, Mary Ann Kreinbring Tillis, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Frances Watson; and two brothers, Byron Tillis and Bobby Tillis.

Survivors include his granddaughter, Angela (David) Walters of Blackshear; his daughter and son-in-law, Marintha & James Moore of Deltona, FL; his brother, Danny Tillis (Tracy McCutcheon) of DeBary, FL; two great grandchildren, Hunter Walters and Cameron Lovell; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Tillis will be held Sunday afternoon, November 8, 2020, at 3:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Chapel.

Interment will be in the Blackshear Cemetery.

Visitation for Mr. Tillis will be held one hour prior to the funeral in the funeral home chapel.

Memorials may be made to the Pierce County Food Pantry, 713 Hendry St., Blackshear, GA  31516.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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