Joe Tilley

Joe Alvin Tilley was born on February 12, 1941, in Cartersville, Ga. and was raised on the family farm in Taylorsville, Ga. On February 18, 2025, he passed away peacefully in his home. Joe was preceded in death by his parents S.V. "Pete" and Gladys Ruff Tilley, paternal grandparents Alvin Y. and Delta Tilley and maternal grandparents William "Sam" and Carrie Ruff, in-laws John and Jane Fleetwood, sister Jane Tilley, sister-in-law Susan Tilley, brother in laws Jimmy (Becky) and Edward Fleetwood.
Joe is survived by his wife and best friend of sixty years, Betty Jane, two daughters Carrie "KK" (Carter) Smith and Lori (Allen) Popham, grandchildren Maggie Smith (Nick) Burns, Marleigh Smith, Brandon (Ashton) Popham and Courtney Popham, two great grandchildren Mason and Ella Popham, brother Phil Tilley, and many other family members and friends he loves.
Serving and helping others has always been important to Joe Tilley. He proudly served our country in the United States Army from 1960-1963; was a Charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church; retired from Ivan Allen Co., and worked at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home. Joe served on numerous committees, service and conservation organizations in leadership roles, a volunteer and as an Auctioneer for fundraising. Being Santa's special helper for over 40 years was also something he enjoyed. For over 25 years, Joe as a wedding officiant. Tilley Mill was a special place he loved to share with others and often invited people to stop by and put their feet in the creek. He loved his goats, and several people also called on him to help with theirs. Most recently he loved volunteering at his church with Backpack Buddies. Joe Tilley had the personality suited for all occasions and was happy to be there to help others when needed.
Many will remember "the Almost Famous" Joe Tilley for his great personality on WBHF 1450 on Thursday mornings and Channel 4 as a co-emcee of the Cartersville parades and BINGO. Some of you may have an "I Survived the Joe Tilley Show" sticker. He loved bringing happiness and laughter to others with his quick wit and humor.
A time of visitation with Joe's family will be held on March 2, 2025, in the sanctuary of Trinity United Methodist Church from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. This will be preceded by military honors rendered at 1:45. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Backpack Buddies or the Joe Tilley Scholarship sponsored by the City of Euharlee through the Etowah Scholarship Foundation.
Thank you to everyone at Tapestry Hospice Care for taking such good care of him. A special thank you to Keith Willard with Parnick Jennings Funeral Home for helping us through this difficult time.
Joe Tilley will be missed but not forgotten. He would want everyone reading this to be a blessing to others everyday. Thank you for your love and prayers.