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In loving memory of
Tillman L. Jeffrey
2/14/1947 – 10/28/2010
Tillman Jeffrey, 63, of Loomis, Calif., went to be with the Lord on
October 28, 2010. After a brave two year battle with cancer, he passed
away at his home in the loving arms of his wife with his dachshunds and
poodle nearby. Tillman was born February 14, 1947, Valentine's Day, in
Barnett, Texas. He grew up in El Cajon and the San Diego area.
Following high school, Tillman joined the U.S. Army and began training
at a warrant officer flight training program as a Warrant Officer. He
served from 1965 to 1971 as a combat helicopter pilot and flight
instructor in Vietnam and Texas, respectively. During two Vietnam tours
(Bien Hoa, Pleiku, Dak Seang, Phu Hiep, Dak To) he served with his
beloved 173d Airborne Brigade (SEP) as well as the 335th Aviation
Company (Airmobile Light) "Cowboys," the 1st aviation Brigade, the
335th's armed helicopter platoon (Falcons), and the1st Cavalry
Division.
During his first tour, Tillman and his crew spent two hours on the
ground in enemy territory awaiting support after his helicopter was
shot down. Tillman stated about that episode, "My two hours on the
ground more than satisfied my curiosity about the ground war in South
Vietnam and I certainly gained a new respect for the Airborne
Infantry."
While flying just two months into his second tour, he was shot through
the floorboards by ground fire with a 12.7mm round from a DShK heavy
machine gun and "medevaced" home. Although modest about his military
achievements, Tillman was awarded both the Purple Heart and the
Distinguished Flying Cross for his gallantry in action.
Tillman loved flying helicopters and after his military career, he flew
out of San Diego as a fish spotter for a commercial fishing boat. He
met the love of his life, Marita, while visiting friends in San Luis
Obispo. They then moved to the SF Bay Area where Tillman worked as a
private helicopter pilot and demolition estimator. With his war
disabilities catching up to him, he retired to the Central Valley and
eventually made his home in Loomis.
Tillman showed his generosity by his willingness to help others. He
shared countless hours on home improvement projects with family and
loved to shower others with gifts. He had a soft spot in his heart for
dachshunds and Military Veterans. Tillman was a lover of art, music,
and an avid reader of historical and military books. He was well-read,
opinionated, and had a witty sense of humor. Tillman's family meant the
world to him and he cherished spending time with them. Many treasured
memories were created boating on Folsom Lake with family. He was a
member of First United Methodist Church in Loomis, Calif., where he was
recently baptized. He was an active member of the 173d Airborne
Brigade, Western States, Chapter 10 and served as newsletter editor
before his illness. He loved attending Veteran's reunions and parades
and conversing with other Veterans.
Tillman is survived by his wife, Marita Jeffrey; his daughter Michelle
Bauman and husband Andy; his daughter Laura Staley and husband Chuck;
his grandchildren James Staley and Darya and Roman Bauman; his siblings
Carolyn Wright, Dennis Jeffrey, Robert "Steve" Jeffrey, and Laurie
Hebert and their spouses; and many nieces and nephews. He is survived
by his mother, Louise Jeffrey, and preceded in death by his father,
Hilmer L. Jeffrey.
Tillman will be deeply missed by his friends and family. His spirit
will be honored during a Memorial Service Saturday, November 13, 2010
at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church 6414, Brace Road, Loomis.
Donations can be made in Tillman's honor to First United Methodist
Church, Disabled American Veterans, and Friends of Placer County Animal
Shelter.
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