Wayne Melvin Tilghman

Wayne Melvin Tilghman obituary, Seaford, DE

Wayne Melvin Tilghman

Wayne Tilghman Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bennie Smith Funeral Home - Princess Anne on Apr. 1, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

WAYNE'S JOURNEY
Wayne Melvin Tilghman was born in Princess Anne, Maryland, on May 2, 1958, to his late parents, Sarah E. Tilghman and Elwood Johnson. After a valiant battle with colon cancer, Wayne transitioned peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Wayne was raised in Annapolis, Maryland, by his Uncle Melvin "Pop" and Viola Tilghman. He attended the Anne Arundel Public School system, and upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army National Guard Reserves. Once he completed his venture, he began working in the food industry and retired in 2021.
Throughout his life, Wayne always came home to visit family and friends for birthdays, holidays, or just because. He enjoyed attending family trips and reunions where he would spend time catching up, dancing, and laughing. Wayne loved all sports, but he was a Baltimore Ravens and Orioles fan. You would find Wayne quietly eating his favorite snacks while watching his games. He found great pleasure and joy when listening to gospel music. He had a few favorite greetings that we all loved to hear such as, "Hey chief" and "Main man." He would also say, "What you say there, chief," and "Somebody is going to tell me something." Wayne loved and touched everyone he encountered, especially the children. Before Wayne would return home to Annapolis, he made sure to make his rounds around town to catch whomever he could, especially visiting Squeaky's and Aunt Shirley Tilghman, whom he loved dearly.
During his illness, he returned to his birthplace, Princess Anne, and was cared for by his sisters, Brenda and Denise, brother Kevin, nieces, Kiara, Ashyra, Shonda, and Shanica and nephew Harry "Spike." During that time, his Annapolis family would visit and call as much as possible. He loved these moments he spent with Pastor Reggie, Rufus, Carolyn, Cathy, Alvin, and Mitchell.
Wayne leaves to cherish his memories: devoted siblings, George (Ernestine) Tilghman, Geneva "Brenda" Tilghman, Kevin (Victoria) Handy and Denise Tilghman as well as a host of warmhearted nieces, caring nephews, many cousins, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Veronica Tilghman, uncle, Melvin "Pop" Tilghman, aunt, Viola Tilghman and nephew, Dennell Tilghman.
Submitted With Love ~ The Family

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Wayne Tilghman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

Ken Christian

April 9, 2025

Every Sunday we'd chat at the back bar as I poured beer so he could make the roux for Red Beans and Rice. My wife worked with him all through her time there at McGarveys as well. He will be .issed

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Bennie Smith Funeral Home - Princess Anne

30479 Prince William St, Princess Anne, MD 21853

Make a Donation
in Wayne Tilghman's name

How to support Wayne's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Wayne Tilghman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Wayne Tilghman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?