Don Bradley Tillis

Don Bradley Tillis, 64, Rutland, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on November 3, 2024, doing something he loved—running a half marathon—while actively living life to the fullest.

There are truly not strong enough words to encompass the incredible human being Don Tillis was; there was no one else like him.

Don was born on January 6, 1960, in Richmond, Indiana, to the late Ruth Awman Tillis and Rev. Amos Tillis. He was the second of five children (Susan (Jerry) McVey, Barbara Williams, Rebecca Tillis, and Joseph (Faye) Tillis, all of whom survive him. He was the son of a preacher and missionary family, growing up in Meigs County, Ohio, but also spending time in Africa. He graduated from Meigs High School in 1978, spent time at God’s Bible College, and graduated from Ohio University with his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1984.

He married the love of his life, Gina Johnson Tillis, on June 8, 1985. They met, fell in love, and married at a young age—having found their soulmates early on, and were blessed to be able to spend their lives together. They complimented each other so well and were best friends.

From this union, produced two children: Julie (Wesley) Thoene and Ben (Holly) Tillis, all of whom also survive him. He gave Julie and Ben the best life possible and was the greatest dad to them. He is also survived by his grandchildren (Magdalyne Tillis, Evan Thoene, Eliza Tillis, Eli Thoene, Baby Tillis due in April 2025, and baby Thoene due in May 2025). He was their “Bopple” and loved his grandchildren immensely. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Don was a true family man. He loved and protected his family fiercely. He would truly do anything for anyone and was the most hard-working man. He knew what seemed like everyone in Meigs County and loved talking to people.

Don was an incredibly intelligent man with many skills, interests, hobbies, and talents. He was a dedicated employee of ODOT, where he worked as a civil engineer for more than thirty years.

Don was a man of God and a man of faith. He had early roots as being raised in the church as a preacher and missionary’s son, and this strong faith carried him through his whole life. Don faithfully attended First Baptist Church in Gallipolis, Ohio, and loved his church family.

He had an outstandingly strong mindset. After having heart issues in his 40’s, he took up running to improve his health. This wasn’t just a side hobby, but a hobby he was so dedicated to that he ran half marathons, full marathons, 50 mile runs, and yes, even 100 mile runs at a time. He ran those far distances just for the fun of it and just to say that he did it.

Don also knew how to create or fix virtually anything. He built homes, could fix anything in a car (he owned a tire shop in Rutland at one point), and he was always the go-to person if anyone ever had a question or needed help.

He was also an avid farmer. He enjoyed owning and raising various animals throughout the years, bailing hay every summer, and managing his farm. Don also enjoyed making jerky to give away to his friends, picking berries in the summer and making pies with the most beautiful latticework, and creating the fanciest pancake art you have ever seen for his grandchildren. He loved his pets (every dog except one that he owned was a male Beagle that he named Jack), loved to hunt, fish, go morel mushroom hunting, and look for arrowheads in the corn field.

Don had a hilarious sense of humor. His laugh was often ten times funnier than the joke itself, and he loved to tell stories. He was always smiling, full of joy, and a light to be around. He was a kind, generous man, who often privately donated money to local churches and notable causes. The morning of his death, he told his wife, “I just want to help people.” He was a registered organ donor and his last decision was to give the gift of life to others.

Don lived his life to the fullest. He lived every single day as if it were his last and went out doing something he loved. He had an extremely well-lived life, and we rest assured in that he woke up in Heaven with Jesus to hear the words “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to a local church or ministry instead. Please help us honor Don in “helping other people.” Service information: Viewing at Anderson-McDaniel Funeral Home in Pomeroy on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. The funeral is Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11:00 A.M.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Don Bradley Tillis, please visit our floral store.