Harley Dean-Tillman, Sr.-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Sisco Funeral Home, Inc. - Pea Ridge

Harley Dean Tillman, Sr.

Sep 1, 1937 - Jan 17, 2025

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

I miss you Daddy.

Sorry for your loss. I didn't know in time to cone to the service. He was a devoted husband to my sister and a sweet addition. to our family.

I would say to him: "You're a good old guy, Bro. Harley!" He'd just look down and grin. I enjoyed talking with him. He was always concerned about me, and very encouraging. We always talked about the Lord. He and I attended First Baptist Church of Pineville, MO. My husband and I would see Bro. Harley driving around Pineville, walking out of the Pineville Post Office, and a few times we encountered him at Mercy Medical in Bella Vista, AR. We always enjoyed visiting with him. He is missed and...

You will be missed sweet Uncle Harley. You were always such a joy to be around!

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Remembering Mr. Harleys always ready grin and full blown smile for everyone he met.

Harley was such a huge part of my life for many years. We worked together on his Medicare insurance, and we became very close friends. He loved his God, his family, his friends, and was loved by all who knew him. I will forever miss his phone calls, his quick wit, his wonderful stories, his laugh. I am so blessed to have known him. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.

Harley was such a blessing to all of us.

I’m so glad I was able to visit with Harley this past summer at the Ackerman Reunion. He was a wonderful man and was loved by all. Prayers for his family.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Mr Harley always had a smile/laugh for every meeting that would carry you on your way till you would meet again.

Obituary

Harley Dean's Obituary

Born the son of Sherman and Rosie (Lane) Tillman, Harley entered this world and shared his parents with brothers, Leon, Jack, Bud, Ben, Albert, and John Thomas along with two sisters, Georgia Bonita, and Mary Alice all of whom predeceased him.

He attended Pea Ridge High School, graduating in 1956 and shortly thereafter enlisted into our country’s Air Force where he would serve two terms. It was during this time he was part of an intelligence surveillance team during the Cuban Missile Crisis where his unit received an accommodation from President John F. Kennedy for their accomplishment in providing vital reconnaissance necessary for the safety and security of our country. Coming home from his military service, Harley met and married his first wife with whom he shared four children Jenny, Junior, Elaine and Rewa. Later, he found his lifelong partner Elaine (Ackerman) Tillman and they married, adding two children of her own, Cynthia and Kenneth, to his family. Harley and Elaine remained together until her death in 2016. After Elaine’s passing, a rescued dog he named Sadie would become his faithful furry companion.

His children, Junior and Elaine predeceased him leaving Jenny, Rewa (Tony), Cynthia (Anthony) and Kenneth (Rita) to continue holding him forevermore in our hearts alongside his grandchildren: Erik, Jenilee (Drew), Lauren (Logan), Zack, Heather, Dalton (Kim), Stephanie, Christopher, Tabitha, Kenneth, Kyle and Lena; and  great grandchildren; Hunter, Mason, Madison, Marley, Leela, Freya, Max, Kristine, James, Marcus, Lacie, Spencer, and Rebica.

Additionally, Harley has the title of Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle, and Cousin to family members and several non-families alike having claimed him (or he them) as their own over the years. His church family and friends were an important part of his life, having been a member of First Baptist Church of Pineville in his retirement years.

Upon his decline, various stories and comments containing words to describe him as “my favorite” or “truly genuine” have been shared by many with us. He lived his life as a servant of God, having witnessed to those he encountered along his life’s journey. His final days he wished to spend at home. His daughters Rewa and Jenny, under supervision of Hospice’s nurse Judy, were able to fulfill his wish and provided him with Comfort Care and their love until the time Harley was called home.

There are many to thank for their kindness, support, love and understanding during our challenging time, we cannot express enough, our sincere gratitude and appreciation. Thank you.

Harley has been a monthly supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for 40 years. In lieu of flowers, donations to their organization would mean the world to him. Bless you.

Visitation is set for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge. Service is set for 1:00 P.M. Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Pineville First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Bayless Cemetery in Garfield.

Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net 

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