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BORN
1937
DIED
2022
Shelby Tilford Obituary
Dr. Shelby Grant Tilford
Dr. Shelby Grant Tilford, 85, husband of Jacqueline "Jackie" Tilford, passed away Friday, June 10, 2022, at the Greenville Post-Acute Care. Born in Grayson County, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Ernest and Dolores McGrew Tilford. Dr. Tilford was an atmospheric spectroscopist, Earth scientist, and science program administrator. He retired in 1994 after a long career with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, most recently serving as the Acting Associate Administrator of NASA's Office of Mission to Planet Earth. He is recognized as one of the main initiators of the Earth system science concept and NASA's Mission to Planet Earth program, which represented NASA's contribution to the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Dr. Tilford was known for volunteering much of his time with the Lion's Club, Computers for Kids program, which gave back computers to many children in the community. Dr. Tilford is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline "Jackie" Tilford; son, Michael Grant Tilford and wife Carol of Occoquan, Virginia; a daughter, Michelle Tracey and her husband Jim of Iva, South Carolina; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Dr. Shelby Tilford is preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou Earle. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Dr. Shelby Tilford's can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 3223 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, South Carolina, 29169. Condolences may be expressed online by visiting
www.sandiferfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Shelby Tilford
George Burnette
October 29, 2022
Condolences to the Tilford family from Leitchfield, KY, by way of Bowling Green, KY. For identification purposes, my mother owned Helen´s Dress Shop and my uncle, William R. Vincent was a friend of Dr. Tilford´s.
Tom Wrublewski
October 4, 2022
It was a pleasure to have known him and operational programs at NOAA also benefitted from his guidance and suggestions over the decades. Thank you for sharing him with us as well.
Rich Beck (formerly of NASA)
August 22, 2022
I had the pleasure of working directly with Shelby for several years. I got to experience first-hand his knowledge, understanding, and camaraderie. He was top-notch in his technical knowledge and enjoyed consulting with colleagues. But he also knew how to work with policy makers too, so that the program could get things done. I'll never forget his pioneering of earth system science. He is truly one of the "good guys." My condolences to Jackie and the rest of the family.
Jerry and Sue Clarke
June 23, 2022
Jennifer just let me know that Shelby has passed. We have so many memories from back in Laurel Maryland. We are glad we were able to visit you in Seneca SC. May you know Gods peace at this time.
Charles M. Brown
June 22, 2022
Shelby was a wonderful friend and mentor. My early years as a post-doc with him the best years a young scientist can have. He shared his love of science and the excitement of discovery that has lasted a lifetime. I share the family's sense of loss of this great friend.
Ernest Hilsenrath
June 21, 2022
"Dr Shelby Tilford" was a pioneer in NASA's Earth science. The huge amount of environmental data being sent to Earth from satellites is his legacy
LISA SHAFFER
June 20, 2022
Shelby was a kind and caring man in addition to a great scientist and leader.
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