Billy Ray Tillman

Billy Ray Tillman, 91, of Jacksonville passed away at his daughter’s residence on September 2, 2022.

Billy Ray was born September 15, 1930 in Jacksonville, Texas. In his younger years, Billy Ray was quite an artist. For 25 years, he worked for the Coca-Cola Company and later he and his wife were owners of the Old Cherokee Trading Post in Maydelle, for 15 years. Billy Ray loved to hunt, fish and enjoyed woodworking; most of all, he enjoyed farming his tomatoes throughout all the years.

Mr. Tillman was preceded in death by his parents, Adolphus Clayton and Clara (Seeton) Tillman; wife, Joyce (Buckley) Tillman; and sister, Vivian Bobbitt.

Billy Ray is survived by his son, Billy Scott Tillman and wife, Olga; daughter, Tina McKnight and husband Kenneth; both of Jacksonville; grandson, Brackston James McKnight; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service is scheduled at 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at Autry Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville with Rev. Ernest Higginbotham officiating. He will be laid to rest at West Shady Grove cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Pallbearers will be Jessie Bonner, Terry Buckley, Dennis Herrington, George Kevin Herrington, Adam Jones, and James Huskey. Honorary pallbearers are Galen Beamer, Billy Beamer, and Sherrel Miles.
In lieu of flowers. Please make a donation to the Pierces Chapel Assembly of God Church, 7210 FM 747 South, Jacksonville, Texas or Hospice Plus in Palestine, Texas.