Brett Tillman

Brett "BT" Tillman, 64, of E. Elm St., Oneida, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Oneida Health Hospital with his loving children at his bedside. BT was born on February 13, 1961, in East Chicago, Indiana, the son of Fred and Ellen Marie (Gregory) Tillman. After moving here from Indiana in 1996, Brett was employed as a security officer for Turning Stone Resort and Casino for several years, retiring in 2000. Brett will be remembered as a kind and devoted person who found joy in the simple, meaningful parts of life. He had a talent for cooking and took pride in preparing meals with love and care. Always keeping a warm and welcoming home, he enjoyed cleaning and creating a space where family and friends felt comfortable. Music was also a special part of his life, bringing him happiness and peace. BT loved telling jokes and was a keen-witted jokester. He also enjoyed playing cards and checkers and was an avid watcher of any western. Brett's strong faith guided him daily, and he lived as a lifelong dedicated member of the Baptist faith. His devotion to God and his beliefs were a foundation of his life, and he shared his faith through both words and actions. Those who knew him will carry forward his love, his faith, and the many ways he touched their lives. His family left to cherish his memories are his children, Autum (Phil) Ames, of Victor, Serena Tillman, Gavin (Sandra) Mitchell, and Zachariah Tillman, all of Rochester; his brothers, Brian Gregory, of IN, Fred (Catherine) Tillman Jr., of GA, Wayne Tillman, of NC; his sisters, Amber Tillman, , Vonda (Juan) Almodovar, Kelli Williams, and Charlita (James) Tillman all of TX his grandchildren, Immanuel Johnson, Jazzlynne Johnson, and Gianna Mitchell; his bonus children, Laura, Alma, Delia, Spencer, Jack, Jordan, Austin, and Paige; and many nieces and nephews. BT had an effortless time making friends, and he will be missed by the many friends he had made during his life. He was predeceased in death by his father, Fred Tillman Sr.; his mother, Ellen Tillman; his sisters, Eileen "Kitty" Ballard, and Wendy Bonaparte; and his bonus daughters, Angie and Sylvia. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM from the Oneida Baptist Church, 242 Main St., Oneida, where the Rev. Terrance Brown will officiate. Interment will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Family and friends are invited and may call on Monday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc., 342 Main St., Oneida. Memorial contributions may be made in Brett's memory to the Oneida Baptist Church.