Lester Burdene Tillis Jr., age 88, went to be the Lord on Thursday, September 28, 2023, in Tampa, Florida after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Sara Tillis; son Bart Tillis (wife Veronica); daughter Brenda Padgett (husband Mark); granddaughter Amanda Tillis; and sister Iris Tillis. He was predeceased by his parents Lester B. Tillis, Sr. and Helen Tillis; and sister Allene Boyter.
Lester was born in Clewiston, Florida then raised in Tampa. At the age of 12, he received Christ and was baptized. He graduated from Hillsborough High School, class of 1953 where he was in the National Honor Society, and played baseball as a left-handed pitcher, once pitching a no-hitter against rival Plant High. In 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Sara Whidden, before they went to Germany, where he served his country in the U.S. Army, driving the amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier, and then received the Good Conduct Award at the end of his tour of duty. Returning to Tampa, he began a 38-year career with Tampa Electric Company as a Substation Electrician working with 230 thousand volts. During that time, he purchased a cabin in the Ocala National Forest where family members enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping.
After retirement, Lester had many good times of travels and cruises, including a trip to Israel. He was a true American Patriot who was knowledgeable in world history and sports history. He enjoyed listening to all types of singing and music from Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and Country to Classical and Symphonic. He always had a tender heart toward small children and offered help to the elderly, as well as being dedicated to tending his many outdoor plants. He was an active member of Idlewild Baptist Church for 34 years and had read through the Bible two times. He enjoyed life with his family and friends and the times spent on Sanibel Island. Lester was old-fashioned, true to his convictions, and will be remembered by many for his gentle and quiet spirit.
Psalm 90:3, 5-6, 10, You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust", O sons of men.
You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning - though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.
The length of our days is seventy years - or eighty if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 12:7 - And the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. (NIV)
A service was held Monday, October 9, 2023, at Idlewild Baptist Church with a visitation at 10:00 A.M., and a service at 11:00 A.M. A graveside service was held at Myrtle Hill Cemetery at 2:00 P.M.
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