Thomas Raines Tillman

Thomas Raines Tillman (Tommy) passed away peacefully December 25, 2025 at Satilla Hospice House in Waycross, Georgia. Tommy was born March 26, 1946 in Tifton, Georgia to the late Guy Edward Tillman Sr., and Julia Raines Tillman. He grew up in Ashburn, Georgia and attended public schools there where he graduated with the class of 1964. In high school he played football, basketball and was on the track team. His fondest memory in high school was being on the basketball team that won a state championship his junior year. After graduation he attended Valdosta State College and graduated with a degree in secondary education (history). He moved to Folkston, Georgia in 1969 where he taught history and coached football, basketball, golf, and baseball for four years. In July, 1973 he went to work for the Citizens Bank (later Southeastern Bank) in Folkston where he retired in 2005 as Branch Manager and Vice President after 32 and one half years of service.

Tommy served his community on the Development Authority, Charlton Memorial Hospital Board and the St. Mary’s River Management Committee. He loved the times he spent helping with the radio broadcast of the Charlton County Indians Football games on the local Folkston radio station. He always said that when he moved to Charlton County the Indians became his favorite team!

Tommy was a member of Folkston Methodist church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of Pastor Parrish, Chairman of the Trustees, and was a member of the Finance Committee. He was a member of the choir and the church Praise Team. He loved being a member of the Open Door Sunday School class.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gary and Bob Tillman, and a niece, Christine Tillman. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sarah Gibson Tillman, a son Kristopher Glenn Tillman, a brother, Guy Edward Tillman Jr. (Robyn), niece, Ashley Tillman Reeves, and two awesome grandsons, Noah James Tillman and Josiah Raines Tillman, the joy of his life!

A memorial service will be held on January 3, 2026 at Folkston Methodist Church at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am., with the Rev. Robbie Paulk and Elder Ruby Baker presiding. Memorialization will be by cremation. Burial will be at Sardis Cemetery in Folkston, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Folkston Methodist Church or Satilla Hospice House of Waycross, GA.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardrobersonfh.com. Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Tillman family.