Harley Donald Tillis Sr.

Harley Donald Tillis Sr. 11/08/1935-11/29/2022
Harley (Don) Tillis passed away at his home after recently celebrating his 87th birthday. He is remembered for his genuine kindness, generous spirit, witty personality and southern charm. He loved sharing way-back-when stories, Texas Hold'em with his boys and anything to do with the ocean. One of Don's prized accomplishments was when he received an award for being the best bartender in the United States, following his patent for the famous drink Tequila Sunrise, and several other well known cocktails (1968). However, he cherished most the love of his large blended family.
He is proceeded in death by his father, Harley Burton Tillis; his mother, Bessie Lorene Trimnell; brother, Jimmie Bruce Tillis; his late wife, Charlene Armistead Tillis; daughter, Linda Windham Wells and great granddaughter Callie Payne.
He is survived by his wife Jannis Clines Tillis; four sons, Harley Donald Tillis Jr. (Stephanie), Steven Bruce Tillis (Kelley), Jason Lee Tillis (Nicole), Jeremie Shawn Tillis, as well as three daughters, Sandra Tillis Reising (Keith), Haley Tillis Ladd (Gary), Hollie Tillis (Andy). Don's greatest joy was his grandchildren and they are as listed: Steven (Lori), Donald (Natalie), Michael (Kelly), Trey, Phillip, Zachary, Justin, Kai, Jewel (Nathaniel), Tiffany (Chad), Rachel (Zach), Crystal, Phoebe, Payton (Keyan), Brooklyn, Reese, Anaya, and Kendall and twelve great-grandchildren: Casey, Aiden, Canaan, Isaac, Oakley, Brayden, Hudson, Cori, Jenna, Mary Kate, Macynn and EraBella.
Private memorial services will be held at a later date for the close friends and family of Mr. Tillis.