Freddie Lee Tiller's Obituary
Freddie Lee Tiller, age 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Kingston of Vermilion. Born on December 19, 1939, in Varney,West Virginia, to Okey and Virginia (née Whitt) Tiller, Freddie lived a life defined by hard work, quiet strength, and a deep love for family, faith, and sports.
A proud and dedicated worker, Freddie spent 30 years at Ford Motor Company, retiring in 1990. But his heart was always in the game—baseball. A talented player in his youth, he was even interviewed by the Detroit Tigers, though he chose a different path. His passion for the sport never waned. He shared his knowledge and love for the game by coaching and mentoring youth through Little League and Class F, where he made a lasting impact on many young lives.
Freddie’s interests were many and varied. A true sports enthusiast, he loved golf, football, and nearly every sport under the sun. He was a devout fan of the Cleveland Browns and a loyal supporter of West Virginia University football. He also loved traveling—especially spending winters in Florida—and enjoyed the quiet satisfaction of jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and reading books, often finishing them in a single day. He had a remarkable memory for scripture and cherished studying the Bible, often quoting verses from memory with sincerity and grace.
He had a warm and welcoming presence, always ready with a smile that made others feel at ease. Freddie took pride in his appearance—never flashy, but always sharp and put together. He embodied humility and kindness, traits that shone through in every aspect of his life.
Freddie is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Linda (née Flaugh) Tiller; his sons Jack (Edie) Tiller, Ted (Gloria) Tiller, and Dave (Lisa) Tiller; grandchildren Jason Tiller, Dawn Mendiola, Jennifer Tiller, Anna Tiller, Jessica Tiller, Mikayla Tiller, and Alex Tiller; 19 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Okey and Virginia Tiller, and sisters Clara Robinson and Vicie Spence.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral center. Inurnment will take place at Ridge Hill Memorial Park.
Please honor Freddie’s love for sports by dressing as if you were headed to the golf course.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Freddie’s memory to the American Heart Association.
Freddie leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty—he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
What’s your fondest memory of Freddie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Freddie?
Share a story where Freddie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Freddie you’ll never forget.
How did Freddie make you smile?

