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BORN
1932
DIED
2017
Mel Tillis Obituary
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Johnnie Connolly
April 25, 2025
First time I had seen Mel and was the first time I had heard the song, Life turned her that way. It was in Atlanta Ga. at the Play Room Club. and Mel was singing That song. He came over on his break and sat with my Date, Robert Popham and I Johnnie Connolly(I am female)It was in the late 60's and I worked in the old Underground Atlanta. Bob as Mel called him and I went to many of his concerts.And we got to be good friends with Mel. So sorry for his Family. RIP Mel.
Cousin of Kent (Karl) Kaltenbrun
March 19, 2025
Sweet sweet man. My cousin worked with him, playing steel guitar in his back-up band. Sorry to know he´s passed on.
Donna Ring
January 30, 2025
My sister gave him directions when he and his tour bus was heading to the Craven Jamberie.
She had no idea who he was at the time.
We figured it out quickly when she explained his mannerisms.
My mom was so infatuated with Mr. Tillis but couldn't afford tickets nor tge time to attend the shows when he was nearby. We farmed very close to Craven.
Leslie Redaway
October 16, 2024
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Julia
July 11, 2023
Remembering Mel Tillis, in a family time we strted remembering one of our favorite greatest country singers. Mel will most certainly be missed, our family"s condolence to the whole Tellis family, blessing to all in Jesus name
from the Diaz family from Oltn,Texas
Robert H. Snead
May 21, 2022
Rotary Club had him come to Bartow,FL. 1970 for a fun raising. Then I saw him last when he was at Cyprus Gardens, Winter Haven FL. 2014. What a great talent that guy had. His great grand daddy was raised on the Willoughby Tillis ranch west of Fort Meade,FL and fought in the 3rd Seminole Indian wars at his cattle ranch and was wounded .
Amanda Ellis
September 5, 2021
I remember going to his house as a child. I had made friends with his granddaughter. My parents and I used to visit a well off woman who I believe was his neighbor. I can't recall her name now it's been so long ago. She had dark hair and my parents would play tennis there which wasn't common in Ashland City Tennessee at the time. This would have been around the mid 80s. I can't recall everyone but at the time my father met quite a few country musicians as his business was van conversion which was still pretty popular during that time period. That's my only Mill Tillis memory. Just hearing adults talk about him and then I was standing in his kitchen with my friend who happened to be his granddaughter. Nice house. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Mary Boggus
March 15, 2020
He was one of the best ever! I considered him one of the top two (in my opinion)! He was funny, a terrific singer and actor! He made you feel like a personal friend, through his songs.
Peggy Canard
March 1, 2020
I enjoyed listening to Mel sing and telling funny jokes. He was a talented singer and loved the audience and Mel's fans loved him too. I was one of the fans who came to hear him sing in Branson, Mo. He will and is missed.
Earl Kallansrud
April 18, 2018
Mel is a really good friend. After Mel and I sat in his office designing his fishing lures ,Gator and Stutterbug. He sure enjoyed going out and test lures on Table Rock and Bull Shoes lake with my. A real down to earth good friend and I will miss him and humor. Earl Ozark Mountain lures.
BETTYANN CAPOGRECO
April 9, 2018
DEAREST PAM :
YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE THIS BUT I WAS LISTENING TO WSM AND I HEARD TRACEY LAWRENCE TALKING ABOUT YOUR DAD AND HE WAS SAYING THAT HE MISSED HIM SO MUCH. UNTIL I HEARD THAT, I DID NOT KNOW WE HAD LOST YOUR DAD AT ALL. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS ! I SAW YOUR DAD AT OUR CENTRAL CANADA EXHIBITION IN OTTAWA. MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
LOVE, BETTYANN.
Michele Combs
March 28, 2018
will miss you Mel...praying to your family and friends and fans...God bless your soul and you will now be singing in the most beautiful chorus of ALL!!!
Alan Steeg
March 3, 2018
Condolences to the Tillis family. Thanks for the music and memories Mel. Rest in peace........
Fred Pfeiffer
March 2, 2018
It was such an honor to interview Mel on KGGF radio in Coffeyville, KS years ago by telephone. Then to see daughter Pam on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry a few years ago. A true gentleman, the world could more like him. Our condolences to the family and you remain in our prayers.
Fred Pfeiffer
First NameJeanie Last NameEarnest
February 17, 2018
Add your message here.To the Tillis family I was so saddened to hear about Mel. My whole family loved him and his traditional country music. My dad played the steel guitar many years and theres not a day that I dont think of him and miss him. Heaven gained a wonderful singer. Take one day at a time. Prayers to your families
John Messick
February 11, 2018
I am 90 wish he could have made it. I lived on a Boat close to him in Florida. Enjoyed his singing in WPB.
February 6, 2018
So many years of great performances, wonderful music, priceless humor and the kind of person, artist and entertainer that never grew old. Warm hearted and self effacing. One of those rare, talented guys you always wished could be one of your best friends. Wonderful man will be truly missed. Condolences. Jim & Marilynn Dyer Lake Geneva,Wi.
Robert Jasper
February 5, 2018
I have always been a big fan of Mr. Tillis. Music and movies. He will be missed . Prayers to family and friends ..
Gayla Stahl
February 2, 2018
God bless all those who loved you!!
Thomas & Libby Widgeon
January 31, 2018
Sorry For Your Loss!
Criket Duke
January 30, 2018
The love of my life spent many nights dancing to Mel's music. Wonderful memories...
D.g.B
January 28, 2018
Loved all your Performances,songs over so many many years.Just found out of your passing.....You will be surely missed
Lonnie Black
January 22, 2018
It was a sad day when I learned Mel had passed from this earth. He was truly a great musician both singing and playing his guitar as well as a great songwriter. I'm sure he is helping the choir in heaven. I learned much from Mel he was a good man.
With love and condolences to his all his family.
Lonnie Black formerly of Nashville
January 9, 2018
Your dad Pam was a great man whose passing leaves great voids in the heart's of all who loved him. Anyone who knew of his music loved the man and all there was of him. Pam remember this ' It is not for those that have passed that we mourn but for ourselves that we miss them so keep your head held high and ill be joining him there come september from lung cancer and ill keep him laughin till ya git there and ill gladly pas along any message ya mightt have
bill carr 409 4408680
Dee Dee Collins-Howard
January 6, 2018
Pam, sorry to hear of your loss. My husband (Willard David Collins) was friends with him and talk a lot of your dad until the day my husband passed. He was proud to know him and i am glad they were friends and that is how and why i love your dad's music. Send my pray to you and your family.
Gary Hinkle
January 5, 2018
I grew up listening to Mel,and watching movies that he played in.We will definitely miss him.
December 23, 2017
TO THE FAMILY OF MEL TILLIS;
YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS OF YOUR DEAR LOVE ONE AND MAY YOU ALWAYS KEEP TREASURED MEMORIES OF HIM IN YOUR HEART.
MAY YOU FIND COMFORT KNOWING THAT THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED ON IN DEATH, GOD KEEPS IN HIS MEMORY BECAUSE ALL ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS EYES. (PSALMS 116:15).
RESPECTFULLY YOURS,
EDO, ILLINOIS
Tiffany Thomas
December 17, 2017
Pam, our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. We love you!
Tiffany and Yvonne (Baytown, TX)
December 11, 2017
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a talented man. May you find comfort and peace in God during this time of sorrow.
Kathy & Gary Veach & Estes
December 10, 2017
We are at a loss for words to describe Mel Tillis. Gary and I owned a marina in Steinhatchee, Fl and Mel loved to fish when he had some down time. That is how we met in 2000. He became a regular visitor and part of the Steinhatchee family. On some occasions he would bring some of his celebrity friends and that was always fun. Once he put on a concert there to raise money for St Judes hospital. Mel spent many hours sitting on that back porch of the marina and he made sure he was right in the main stream of guests coming and going. He always had time to chat with anyone coming by. He said he loved being able to be one on one with real people. That is what he and his family are " real people" He was always interested more in the lives of who he met rather than caught up in his fame. We had the pleasure of sharing in his own hospitality on numerous occasions that he invited us to his home in Nashville, by the way he did all the cooking. He made sure we always made it back stage of the Grand Ole Opry to get to see back stage. That is where we met Pam for the first time. All of his children always made us feel so welcome and important and happy to see us. Hugs to Sonny Boy, Carrie April, Pam and all of his family. We are just so sorry for your loss.I think anyone who knew him has learned a great deal about life from this man.May his star shine brightly for eternity.
At Mel's home in Tenn. Giving us the painting he did of our marina Gulstream Motel and Marina in Steinhatchee, Fl
Kathy & Gary Veach & Estes
December 10, 2017
Geralyn & Vern Ellis
December 1, 2017
"God Bless Mel Tillis & All Of His Family & Friends"!! You All Our In Our Thoughts In Prayers!! Mel is now "Your All's Special Guardian Angel" watching over You!! We "treasure" getting to meet Mel at "Ernest Tubb's Midnite Jamboree" a few years ago!! He was "Absolutely" A "FANTABULOUS" Performer & Entertainer in "His Earthly Life" & is, also now, in "His Eternal Life"!! He's now singing in "God's Heavenly Choir" along with All the "Other Special Country Music Singer Angels"!! With Our "Thoughts & Prayers To Mel's Family, From Your Friends Here in New Haven, Kentucky, Geralyn & Vern Ellis"!!
December 1, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 1, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Bettie H Caruthers
November 30, 2017
Mel will be remembered in our family, caruthers/harris...
A very good friend who knew your dad & Fam from Pahokee wished that she could have made it to the services.. her name is Ann Peacock
Cindy presley
November 30, 2017
Pam, I just read from Pahokee news. The city council unamiously passed that East Main Street in Pahokee.
Will now be Mel Tillis Blvd.
Mel would get a kick out of that.
Looking forward to a Christmas Special on one of our sister stations out of Orlando Dec. 7th. You are one of the main featured performers.
It was a pleasure to meet you at Mel's Funeral in Ocala. I gave you my name & phone number.
Praying for you all!
Maybe God continue to give you all strength as you bury your Uncle Richard!
God Bless Now & Always,
Andy and Angela SANFORD
November 29, 2017
Mel, THANK You for sharing Time with us, and making music and memories for us. You are missed until we meet again In The Garden.
Donna Eakins
November 29, 2017
Mel Tillis was a gentleman in every way, loved his singing
Blayne Bell
November 28, 2017
My grandparents saw him many times on their trips to Branson. I never in all my years in music, I never got to meet him but would have been a pleasure to.
Rest till Christ takes us to the pearly gates.
Always,
Blayne Bell
myspace.com/blaynebellmusic
Philip
November 27, 2017
Had the pleasure of seeing him perform a number of times, including when he was still on the Porter Wagoner Show. Along with owning his music, I also had the pleasure of playing some of it when doing country radio. He was a great performer and a friendly man. He will be missed.
lamar potts
November 27, 2017
saw mel at his theater in branson.also at midnight jamoree in last 3 or 4 years.goodby.
Jack Stribling
November 27, 2017
Saw him back when he first started probably 40 yrs. ago and about 6 yrs. ago at Newberry Opera House in Newberry S.C. the best show I have ever seen there . He was one of the best entertainers I have ever seen, He will be truly missed. May God Bless
Dora Pereira
November 26, 2017
Always loved him,
NANCY PARVIN WILLIAMS
November 26, 2017
IN LOVING MEMORY OF 50 + YEARS OF KNOWING YOU. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY THRU THEIR LOSS. I WILL MISS YOU ALWAYS
harlan abner
November 25, 2017
I WILL MISS HIM I ALWAY LOVE HIS MUCIC I SAW HIM IN KY WENT I WAS A LITTLE ONE IF I REMEMBER WERE WE LIVE IN KY HE WOULD HELP US AT A LITTLE SAWMILL OUT FROM OUR HOUSE SO HE IN GOD HANDS NOW HIS DEAREST FAN TO ALL THE FAMILY WITH LOVE H.A.
Roger and Nancy Stuckey
November 25, 2017
Always good clean show,He will be missed! My husband and I saw him in Branson Mo. Twice and also in Fl Concert!My husband's home was near Mel's in Fl. We will keep his family in our thoughts and Prayers during their great loss! You do not grieve alone,this Country grieves with You!
Lane M
November 25, 2017
A Great musician, singer, actor, and we Thank You Mel Gillis for entertaining us. You are Loved & will be missed. Rest with The Lord.
Mary Joiner
November 25, 2017
Sorry to hear about Mel. My husband and I enjoyed seeing him performing at his theater in Branson several years ago. We really enjoyed the show. He will certainly be missed.
Suzette Mires
November 25, 2017
RIp Mel you miss be miss
David Williams
November 25, 2017
I am so sorry for the loss of your father, brother, uncle and grandfather, he will be truly missed by all who knew him, he was a great entertainer and song writer and the music world has lost another ill replaceable talent. We can all take solace in knowing he is no longer suffering and his memory and music will live on for every. Rest In Peace Mel.
tom coulter
November 25, 2017
The list of truly remarkable country singers is thinning. Mel Tillis singing has always been real country, " three chords and the truth" Our loss of Mel is like unplugging the juke box as the number one hit plays.Music is blessed for Mel having participated in the ride.
November 25, 2017
Mel meant a lot to the world of country music. He is missed already. May the God of all comfort be with the family during this time of grief.
Leslie Shaw
November 25, 2017
You will be missed by millions, Rest In Eternal Peace Forever in our Heavenly Father's Paradise.
Nita Sparacina Sparacina
November 24, 2017
What an entertainer! Pam, you're in my prayers and thoughts. Your Father is singing to our Heavenly Father!!!
November 24, 2017
It's so wonderful to have watched a local talent become such a big star, from our small town. God bless Richard, and all the family. We went to school together in Pahokee.
Ralph and Sibyl Crews, Jupiter, Pahokee, Fl.
November 24, 2017
Mel Tillis was the first country singer I saw, years ago at Knotts Berry Farm in Calif. and I was hooked. I have been a Fan ever since. I Loved his voice, and his sense of humor.
We have lost a great talent and fantastic entainer. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
Tammie Jackson
Hermitage, TN
November 24, 2017
May the God of all comforts be with friends and family. 2 Cor 1:3
JOHN &CHARLOTTE MARICH
November 24, 2017
we went to see MR MEL TILLIS at the pitman
NJ it had to been 30 years ago MR TILLIS
put on a out standing show. we will alway mis
MR TILLIS
Ralph land
November 23, 2017
From musician drummer to a singer and artist it was good to be friends. My deepest sympathies for the family and may you rest in peace Melvin. Your legacy will last forever
Audrey Smith
November 23, 2017
R. I.P another good country music singer gone..he will be missed...prayers for the family
MMMatt McCollum
November 23, 2017
Rest Easy MMMMMel. A National TREASURE
robert &mary DANN
November 23, 2017
WE ARE GOING TO MISS A GOOD COUNTRY SINGER & SONG WRITER
christian
November 23, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mel. His contribution to the music world will never be forgotten. May the God of all comfort and peace be your stronghold during this difficult time.
Psalm 18:2
Linda Peeples
November 23, 2017
Dear Tillis Family
I knew "Uncle Mel" back when my dad was living--Tom Powell. I was known as "Tootie." "Mel" took my dad shopping for an antique pump organ for my mama. They found one in TN. Daddy loaded it in the front section of his cow trailer, loaded the cows next. Mama was thrilled!
I am blessed to have known "Uncle Mel."
November 23, 2017
My thoughts prayers are with you in your time of grief. May you find comfort and strength in God promise at John 6:40
LEISA SNYDER
November 23, 2017
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE MUSIC AND SHOWS AND FOR THE MEMORIES.
Diane P
November 23, 2017
I have loved you Mel for many years. After meeting you many years ago and seeing you several times, I started collecting your albums and own all of them. I even helped you find the ones you didn't have. I will miss you very much and love you forever. I hope to see you sometime in Heaven.
Roy Oden
November 23, 2017
Roy Oden a great singer and love him as a brother in masonry. Thank you my brother.R.I. P.you will be missed
Linda Edwards
November 23, 2017
RIP Mel.
Ted Carter, Jr.
November 22, 2017
It was an honor to meet another country legend back in 2010-2012 at Silver Springs' Nature Theme Park(w/his daughter Pam Tillis too). I would also like to send my condolences to Pam & her family, friends & fans about the loss of our Florida Native. Also, Thank you Mel for your music that I enjoy listening to through the years as well a few movies that you co-starred in as well. Rest in Peace.
Kim Goebel
November 22, 2017
The world became a little darker with the loss of such a bright star and heaven gained an amazing man. My prayers are with you all.
Karen Johns
November 22, 2017
Thank you Mel, for all the memories .
Vera & Kenneth Watson
November 22, 2017
He was a Great Entertainer and we loved his music. We will miss him.
Jenny Gregory
November 22, 2017
Thanks for so much talent spent on your fans. God bless. May he RIP. LOVE MEL
Jarvis Family
November 22, 2017
Our hearts and prayers are with you. Another great singer has joined that Heavenly choir! Mel will be greatly missed!
November 22, 2017
I'm sorry for your loss. May the family find strength from Almighty God during this time.
Porter
Maryann Rusincky
November 22, 2017
Rest In the peace of the lord ✝
Mary Cody
November 22, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will love you and miss you always.
Jan o'shea
November 22, 2017
Thanks for all the good memories. Forever in my heart
November 22, 2017
I saw Mel in person several times over the years. He was my favorite country music singer and I thought his humor was as good as his singing. He was a class act in every way! Jean Coates
Kathie Montooth
November 22, 2017
This man has always been a legend growing up, I heard about him from my family, at school at church. I loved to hear him sing because it was so amazing to never hear his stutter. I know there will be some glorious music in heaven..Praying for your family..RIP Mr. Tillis.
Lisa Graebe
November 22, 2017
My husband and I had the pleasure of seeing Mel Tillis in Branson. We loved his music and his show was amazing. We had the added pleasure of seeing his daughter Pam this same night. I still love listening to his music. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. he is now in heaven with my husband and enjoying each others company. RIP Mr. Tillis!
Stu Sonnee
November 22, 2017
So sorry for your families loss, my sister also stuttered and Mel helped her without knowing and is very thankful for that, met Mel and Connie in Branson long ago and Pam in my hometown of St. Paul sometime before that and I was pretty excited meeting such a Amazing Man I began stuttering myself, my sincerest condolences to Mel's dear family.
Jeannette Ruddell
November 22, 2017
I've always loved Mel Gillis! I loved his sense of humor his honesty and his music! I know he's joined the Heavenly choir but I'm going to miss him! I met in person a couple of times in Amarillo Texas when he owned the radio station. Prayers to his family
Randy & Wanda Miller
November 22, 2017
Mel Tillis was one of the best entertainers and country legends around. His music, entertaining and comedy will be missed! Condolences go out to this family.
Diana Guthrie
November 22, 2017
The world has lost another great singer and a legend! I loved Mel's music! My sympathy and prayers are going out to his family and friends! RIP Mel Tillis
Rita Walsh-Fallon
November 22, 2017
Thanks for the music Mel, My condolences to the family.
Dottie Dabbs
November 22, 2017
So sorry. RIP MEL. U WILL B MISSED.
Al Cravens
November 22, 2017
Several years ago I owned a barber shop in Donelson, TN, one day an old VW Karmann ghia pulled up in front of my shop and a tall lanky fellow got out and came in. He started telling me how he wanted his hair cut but I couldn't understand him because he was stuttering so bad. While cutting his hair I understood him to say that he was a country music singer and when I finished and he left we all had a BIG laugh...... how does this fellow who can't even talk think he can sing, he then went on to become CMA "Entertainer Of The Year". Later I moved my shop to Music Row and cut Mel's hair until he moved from Nashville. I always enjoyed the time spent with Mel and his brother "Breadman". RIP Mel.
Frances & Ken Bradley
November 22, 2017
You are in our prayers, as you have been since 2016 when Mel first had health issues. We have enjoyed his music and his humor for many years. To the family, he left a wonderful legacy that no one can match. Pam and Matt, you are especially in our prayers through this most difficult time.
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