John Alfred Tillery

John Alfred Tillery III was born on April 8th 1953 to Jerry Otis Tillery and Miriam Barnes Tillery. John was the youngest of five children, raised in Lawrenceville Illinois. He died in his own recliner with Ginger the wonder dog, Mister Kitty and cherished grandson at his side on July 7, 2023.

He began his working career at Bob Christie'sTexaco Service station. Except for a brief unfortunate stent as a worker in a chicken processing plant, he devoted his life to the service of others. He was an EMT, a Paramedic, but first and foremost a firefighter. On ambulances, in hosptals and in buring buildings, he took care of others. He taught Radialogical Monitoring for the state of Texas and served on the board of the fire department retirement fund. He retired in 2003 and worked at the family bookstore as a philosopher and counselor and cashier. What many may not know, he wrote lovely poetry and sang beautifully, and loved to dance.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, Jerry Otis Tillery and Miriam Barnes Tillery,

 and sister Nancy Fox and her husband

Johnny, brother in law Nelson Ruble..

And many dear friends.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Daryl Anne Melton Tillery, children, Katy Ryan and husband Bobby Hopgood, Auston Ryan and wife Tia. Emily and John Paul. His big brother Jerry Tillery (Jay) and wife Mary,

sister Miriam Ruble (Sis), and sister Helen and husband Fred Foster. Grandchildren 

Garrett Ryan and wife Makenzie, Wyatt Ryan, and Darrell Ryan. And our 1st great grand child Kynsleigh Ann Ryan . So many neices and nephews and other loving family and friends. 

If he could speak to you all today, I believe he would say two things: I told you I was sick. & God's got this! As indeed He does. Oh , and "I love you all, so very much, you were my favorite" and you were.

Celebration of his life is Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 1 PM. Followed by the commital of his ashes in the courtyard and a reception where we can gather and exchange hilarious stories, all at St. Paul Church  Ellis County 624 Ovilla Road Waxahachie , TX

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to our church listed above.

Sent from AOL on Android