Thomas Lee Tilghman, 78, of Bostwick, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, February 8, 2021 from natural causes. A native and lifelong resident of Palatka, he was a 1960 graduate of Palatka High School and served honorably in the U.S. Navy. Tommy received his AA Degree from St. Johns River Junior College. He had worked in the storeroom at Georgia Pacific, retiring following 44 years of service. Tommy then worked another 8 years as a security guard. He had served as president of Local Union USW #33, had been a member of American Legion Post #45 and was a Baptist. In his leisure time, Tommy enjoyed golfing, darts, card games (poker), reading, watching football and NASCAR and spending time with family (especially his grandkids).
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Carolyn “Carol” Tilghman, 2 sons, his parents, John Warren Tilghman and Doris Atkinson Tilghman and 2 brothers, Toby Tilghman and Bud Tilghman.
Tommy is survived by his stepchildren, Patricia Wells (Allen) of Bostwick, Darryl McLendon (Christy) of San Mateo and Michael Lewis (Heidi) of Palatka, daughter, Madonna L. Cooper, 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Services celebrating Tommy’s life will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Bro. Glenn Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Palatka with the U.S. Navy conducting military honors. The family will receive friends Friday from 5-7 P.M. at Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Tommy’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.