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Rufus Wayne Tillis, age 85, SFC Retired USA died at his home after a year long illness.
�Bud� was born in Vero Beach to Beatrice Owens and Rufus Tillis, Sr. He attended VBHS and at 18, went to Miami and joined the Army.
His military career took him to Germany, Austria, Greece, and many bases in the U.S. including Alaska.
He also saw active duty in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired after 22 years of honorable service.
Later in civilian life, he spent many years as the security guard at the Beach Bank/Northern Trust.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Joan; son, Michael of Gatesville, TX; grandchildren, Ronald and Vanessa Tillis, Jennifer (Jody) Thornton of Vero Lake Estates, Shelby, Garrett and Devin Tillis all of Copperas Cove, TX; great-grandchildren, Gracie, Wyatt and Lainey; sisters, Louise Belfonte of Vero Beach, Patricia Hancock of Port St. Lucie and daughter-in-law- Rebecca Tillis, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by son, Ronald and daughter, Cheryl.
A graveside service, with military honors, will be held 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
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Bill and Joan Lehman - Friends
January 26, 2016, 11:18 am
We met Bud at the Beach Bank many years ago and have many warm memories of his kindness. Bill and Joan
Shelby Tillis - granddaughter
January 26, 2019, 11:16 am
My grandpa is one of the toughest men that I’ve ever known. I wish we lived closer so that we could have spent more time together but we lived so far away. I’m so blessed to have made that trip down and let him meet (Lainey) his new great granddaughter and my fiance Jason. it was the best feeling to surprise them with our visit! We love and miss you grandpa! Rest easy, until we meet again.