TILLER, Jr., Charles Eric

Charles Eric Tiller, Jr., known to his friends and family as Eric, died peacefully of cancer on Monday, June 17, 2024, at the Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick, GA, surrounded by his two sons and their wives.

He was born on February 8, 1937, in Brunswick, GA, the fourth child and only son of Charles Eric Tiller and Lucy Newton Tiller. Eric grew up in Brunswick during the years of World War II and was a proud graduate of Glynn Academy class of 1954. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1958 with a degree in Finance and was a lifelong "Dawg." Eric loved all things the University of Georgia, the Atlanta Braves, and fried chicken. He ran track at the University of Georgia and was a reserve in the Air Force in the 1960s.

He met the first love of his life, Peggy Jo Duckworth, after graduation, and they married in 1959. They had two sons, Charles Eric Tiller III and William Duckworth Tiller. He celebrated the marriages of his sons and the births of his grandchildren, who called him Pops.

After he lost Peggy, he married the second love of his life, Sonja Demarius Svendsen, in 2012, and relocated to Darien, GA, where he spent his final years on the edge of the marshes, enjoying the company of lifelong friends in the Brunswick and Darien area.

Eric was a Christian and his faith meant the most to him. He lived his life guided by his beliefs and was an active member of Lakeside Community Church. He was a devoted family man. Eric had many friends he loved and who loved him. He was known for being nice to everyone and putting others above himself.

He worked as a Certified Public Accountant with (now) Moore, Stephens, Tiller, LLC (MST) in their Brunswick and Atlanta offices. He became a Partner in 1968 and from 1985 to 1991 served as the firm's Managing Partner. His colleagues respected him for his dedication, hard work, and the positive impact he made in the field.

Eric was predeceased by his parents, his three sisters, Margery Tiller, Carroll Tiller Richter, and Marian Tiller Young; his nephew, Carl Rupert Richter, and his wives Peggy and Sonja. He is survived by his sons, Charles (Deborah) and William (Deborah); grandchildren, Elizabeth Joyce Hagler (Chris), Charles Eric Tiller IV, and Ryan Davis Tiller (Katherine); nieces, Mary Ellen Young and Lisa Gill; nephews, Lin Young, Scott Duckworth, and Mark Duckworth.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM, at Lakeside Community Church, 5572 New Jesup Hwy., Brunswick, Georgia 31523.

A graveside service will follow on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11:30 AM, at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Hwy., Sandy Springs, GA 30328, where Eric will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, a cause that was close to Eric's heart.

Eric's legacy of faith, love, kindness, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jun. 25, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Tiller

Sponsored by Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home.

6 Entries

James Lee

June 29, 2024

I am very sorry that I could not attend the memorial service. If I were able to speak a few words I would say that Georgia, indeed the world, has lost one of the kindest, brightest, most loving and thoughtful people it has been my privilege to know.

When I reconnected with Mary Ellen, Uncle Eric made an effort to get to know me and supported us with great love and kindness. He even consulted me when he started dating again, just to get my opinion, and found his second love.

He will be missed.

Mary Ellen Young

June 28, 2024

My Uncle Eric was 11 when I was born. when I was old enough, I spent a week each summer in Brunswick at 928 Union St. while my parents went on a vacation without me. He was my best "play" uncle and babysitter. I followed him everywhere. Those were magical days swimming at Sea Island and walking with my grandfather to get candy each afternoon. My uncle was a devoted family man, with that family extending to all the aunts, uncles, and cousins of the Deep East Texas folks who were my grandfather's kin. Many trips were made to Elysian Fields Texas to keep the family bonds strong. As our family expanded when his sons married and had children, Uncle Eric hosted a family reunion each year in Ponte Vedra, renting a lovely beach house where all could just hang out with the family. I treasure those memories of ones we have lost and ones who remain to honor them. I am sure there was an amazing Tiller reunion at the Pearly Gates to welcome him home.

Chipper B.

June 25, 2024

Last time I saw Mr. Eric was a few years ago at a funeral for a friend of his and he looked at me and said "life goes on......"Well, Mr. T. it sure does......RIP Mr. T.

Curtis Wiggins

June 25, 2024

A GREAT FRIEND,TEAM MATE,and DAMN GOOD DOG - RIP MY OLE BUDDY

Neighbor

June 25, 2024

My thoughts and prayers are with the Tiller family. Sorry for your loss. May the memories shared fill your hearts with joy during this difficult time.

Billy Brewer, Class of '67

June 24, 2024

Eric Tiller will be added to the Glynn Academy "Gone but Not Forgotten" list, which continues to grow and grow. He joins many of his Class of '54 classmates on this honored list. My sympathies to Sonja and the Tiller family.

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