The officers and members of the Jacksonville Retired Firefighter Association are saddened to report that

Retired JFRD Engineer Thomas Tillis passed away Thursday December 06, 2018.

TILLIS

Mr. Thomas B. "Tom" Tillis, Jr., 92, of Amelia Island passed away Thursday, December 06, 2018.

Born in Jacksonville, he was a son of the late Thomas B. and Blanche Chittendon Tillis. In Jacksonville, he attended Andrew Jackson High School and as many of America's greatest generation did, he left high school early and joined the U. S. Navy serving during the remainder of World War II in the Pacific Theater.

After the war, Tom returned to Jacksonville and married Ann Simmons. Their marriage would cover the next 69 years. Mr. Tillis retired from the City of Jacksonville where he served in a number of capacities. He was a firefighter for many years. He continued with the City, as a Fire Department Dispatcher, he maintained the emergency pumping station downtown on the river, and finished his 33 years of service as Mayor Hans Tanzler's aid and official photographer.

Since 1988 Tom and Ann made their home on Amelia Island. They enjoyed their lives on the island and made many special friends.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his two brothers, Curtis and Emory Tillis and a beloved daughter, Susan.

He leaves behind his wife, Ann Simmons Tillis; his son, Steve Tillis and his wife, Julie of Ponte Vedra Beach his daughter, Nancy Fridell and her husband, Ron of Ocala; a granddaughter, Hailey Ann Tillis of Fleming Island as well as several extended family members.

In keeping with Tom's wishes a private family service was held.

The family asks Tom be remembered with donations to Southeast Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.