Elijah Jake Tillman

Elijah Jake Tillman, 80, of Valdosta, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Langdale Hospice House. Born in Valdosta to the late Elijah & Thelma Tillman Tampas, Jake grew up in Valdosta, graduating from Valdosta High School in 1962 and was a lifelong fan of the Wildcats. After high school, he served briefly in the Georgia National Guard. On December 30, 1965, Jake married the former Linda Smith, and they moved to Atlanta. They began their family in the Atlanta area and Jake also greatly enjoyed youth sports and was a coach throughout his life. Over the years, he coached his kids’ youth league teams, softball and baseball, and many other kids in the communities of Marietta and Valdosta. They returned to Valdosta in the late 1980’s and he worked as the Sports Director at the YMCA and the owner of Specialty by Classic Screen Printing and Awards. Other hobbies include camping with the Good Sam RV Club, BMX bike racing with his son and daughter, was active in many community activities and helped to raise funds for worthy causes. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Valdosta. 

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Linda Smith Tillman of Valdosta; two daughters and sons in law, Tina & Landon Wilson of Kennesaw and Teri & Mike Verhine of Acworth; a son and daughter in law, Tim & Jackie Tillman of Valdosta; seven grandchildren, Jamerson (& Miranda) Wilson of Marietta, Jordan Wilson of Kennesaw, Harrison Verhine of Sandy Springs, Noah Verhine of Acworth, T.J. Tillman, Ansley Tillman, Jackson Tillman all of Valdosta. Also surviving are three great grandchildren, Charlie, Logan and Harlee Wilson, a brother Nicky (& Barbara) Tampas and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Harrison Tillman and a sister, Pat Tampas Connell. The family is deeply grateful for the caring assistance provided by Hospice of South Georgia and Home Instead.

The celebration of life for Mr. Tillman will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at the Pavilion at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Pastor Dennis Massie, Pastor Chuck Owens and Pastor Mac Weaver will officiate. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Monday, Sept 2, 2024, from 4 until 6 pm. Donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, PO Box 1727, Valdosta, GA 31603, or at www.hospiceofsouthgeorgia.org. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home