Tillman, Thomas Kyle

Thomas Kyle Tillman, a man whose warmth and charisma touched the lives of all who knew him, departed this life on March 18, 2024, in Radford, Virginia. Born on July 8, 1983, in Montgomery County, Virginia, to Robert Smith and the late Debra Sessa Tillman, Thomas grew up with a love and a passion for building that would define his life’s work.

Thomas embraced his role as a carpenter with vigor and pride. His keen eye for detail and his skilled hands brought many projects to life, leaving a lasting legacy of his craftsmanship in many areas. His colleagues revered him not only for his professional abilities but for his innate ability to forge genuine connections and build lasting friendships.

Beyond his work, Thomas was a man of many interests. He had a remarkable talent for drawing, often capturing the essence of his surroundings with pencil and paper. His love for climbing trees harked back to his childhood adventures and remained a cherished activity throughout his life. Thomas’s social nature was legendary; he never met a stranger and had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel like a lifelong friend. His laughter was infectious, and his presence was a source of comfort and joy.

Thomas’s family was the cornerstone of his world. He was a devoted father to his son, Christopher Pearman, and his daughter, Edith Tillman, guiding them with love, patience, and the occasional sprinkle of humor. His life was further enriched by his loving fiancée, Shannon Dove, who stood by him as a partner and confidante. Thomas’ bond with his father, Robert Smith, was one of mutual respect and admiration, and his relationship with his siblings, Robert Tillman (and wife Danielle) and Tina Tillman, was built on a foundation of shared memories and unwavering support. His numerous nieces and nephews will forever cherish the fun and lessons learned from their Uncle Thomas.

Though preceded in death by his mother, Debra Sessa Tillman, and his brother, Edward H. Tillman III, Thomas’s legacy of kindness and compassion continues to live on in the hearts of those he left behind. His ability to find beauty in the simplest of things and his determination to leave the world a better place than he found it will never be forgotten.

There will be no services for Thomas at this time as he will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Kendall Funeral Home to offset the costs of any funeral expenses.

A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Tillman family.