Justin Elbert Tillett of Siler City died Sunday, February 23, 2020.
Mr. Tillett was born January 2, 1981 in Carteret County to Kenneth P. and Kathleen Honeycutt Tillett.
He was a member of Piny Grove United Methodist Church, previously a member of University Baptist Church, Chapel Hill. Firefighting was an important part of Justin’s life, he was a volunteer member of the Siler City Fire Department and former member of New Hope Fire Department and Atlantic Fire Department. Justin was a high school science teacher most recently teaching at Jordan-Matthews and with the NC Virtual Public School. He was a volunteer baseball coach with HYAA and East Chatham Baseball, and a basketball coach with Siler City Parks and Rec. He enjoyed helping the UNC Marching Tarheels during football season.
Justin is survived by his parents; his wife of 14 years, Ashley Conley Tillett; son, Holden Tillett; brothers, Kenneth “Beaver” Tillett and wife Leslie; nephews, Kyle and Andrew Tillett; special cousins, Krystal Gray, Kristopher Honeycutt, and Gregory Swartz; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Smith an Buckner Funeral Home, 230 N. Second Avenue, Siler City. Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 28, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Parker Coppock officiating.
Any memorials may be made in his name to: UNC Bands Gift Fund, c/o CB3320, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 or to JMArts, care of Rose Pate, JMHS, 910 E Cardinal Street, Siler City NC 27344.
Smith and Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time.