Floyd Earl "Sonny" Tillman's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Floyd Earl “Sonny” Tillman of High Springs, FL at the age of 96. He was born in Miami, FL on August 14, 1929, and grew up in Orange Heights, FL. He is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Lucille P. Tillman, his son, W. Robert E. Tillman, his mother and father, Floyd Sr. and Neva, two brothers, Billy and Dickie and two sisters Betty and Patsy . He is also preceded by his granddaughter Frances Dobbs Jaggers.
Sonny is survived by his five daughters, Carolyn, Dianne (Steve), Marian, Amy (Jeff) and Theresa, his brother Robert (Bobby) Tillman and sister Barbara Jean Joiner, 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.
Sonny was a successful entrepreneur and a genuine philanthropist his whole life. He became famous for opening his first barbecue restaurant in 1968 in Gainesville, Sonny’s Real Pit Barbecue. Sonny has touched many lives in his 96 years as a caring and giving man.
In addition to his love for his family, Sonny was a long-time booster for the Florida Gator’s football teams and basketball teams. He loved fishing, hunting, and frog gigging in his airboat and golfing. He also enjoyed making you laugh with witty stories of his life that may or may not have been true.
His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him. His daughters and grandchildren will carry on the memory of their amazing father forever. He will never be forgotten, as he has left us so much to remember.
Sonny’s visitation and viewing will be held at Williams -Thomas Funeral Home at 823 NW 143rd Street, Jonesville, FL from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025. His services will be held at Trinity United Methodist church at 4000 NW 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday December 16, 2025, followed later that afternoon by a graveside service at the Tillman Family Cemetery, 15960 NW 222nd Street, High Springs, FL.
Sonny will be deeply missed and forever loved.
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