Stanley Dexter Tillinghast

Stanley Dexter Tillinghast, 79 of Ocean Springs, MS passed away on August 26, 2025. Stanley, known for his easygoing spirit, love of family, and appreciation for the simple joys of coastal life, spent his years surrounded by the people and places that mattered most to him.

Stanley was a son, a brother, an uncle, and a twin- a role that defined him throughout his life. He shared an inseparable bond with his identical twin brother, Steven, with whom he lived with in Wiggins, MS during the second half of his life.

Together, the two enjoyed fishing along the Gulf Coast, swapping stories with friends, and sitting beneath the shade of old oak trees. Stanley also had a fondness for classic cars and could often be found admiring the lines of a vintage vehicle or recalling the way they tied into his younger years. He was remembered for his humor, his storytelling, and his ability to make people feel at ease.

Born May 26, 1946, in Biloxi, Stanley was the son of John Oran and Mary Alice Tillinghast. His paternal grandparents were John Henry and Cammie Bilbo Tillinghast, and his maternal grandparents were Alonzo Dexter and Melvina Gill Brumbaugh.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Alice Marie Deakle, Steven Oran Tillinghast and Susan Jane Garlotte.

Stanley is survived by his sister, JoAnn Thompson of Ocean Springs; his maternal uncle, Mack “Buddy” Brumbaugh of Los Angeles, CA; and a host of extended family members and lifelong friends who will cherish his memory.

Though his years were spent in Wiggins, Stanley remained tied to Ocean Springs, where he was raised and where his family roots were planted. In the end, he chose to come home- to be laid to rest in the Evergreen Cemetery family plot, beside his father.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the many friends and neighbors who have shared memories, prayers, and kindness during this time of loss.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Stanley’s memory.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit from 12:00 noon until service time. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Ocean Springs.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Stanley Dexter Tillinghast.