Funeral service for Mr. Cecil C.R. Tillman, Jr., 77, of Monroe, LA, will be held at 11:00AM Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd. Monroe with Rev. Jay George officiating. Interment will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00AM until service time Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the funeral home.

Cecil Roy “Sandy” Tillman, Jr. was born on October 2, 1948, in Monroe, Louisiana, and passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026. His beloved wife of 56 years, Ja-Nell, and their daughter Kristy were at his side when he died.

Sandy was a devoted husband, friend, father, and grandfather who was known for his generous spirit, wide grin, and playful sense of humor. He lived a life dedicated to service to others.

Sandy graduated from Ouachita Parish High School in 1966 and served for six years in the Army National Guard. As the proprietor of Tillman Tire and Wheel and later Tillman Tire Center, he was known for his integrity and tremendous work ethic and was always willing to go the extra mile for his customers and friends.

Sandy was a man of deep and abiding faith who tried to live by example. He served for many years as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Lakeshore Baptist Church. He taught his children the important lessons of kindness, hard work, laughter, and perseverance by the way he lived his life each day. Above all, he was deeply devoted to the love of his life, Ja-Nell.

Sandy was preceded in death by his parents, Corinne and Cecil Roy Tillman, Sr., his sister Mary Elizabeth Tillman Smith, and his son, Andrew Tyler Tillman.

He is survived by his wife Ja-Nell Smith Tillman; daughter Kristy Tillman and husband David Bigge, daughter-in-law Jody Tillman; grandchildren Mia Tillman, Ava Tillman, Amelia Tillman, Max Tillman, Samuel Bigge, and Nathaniel Bigge; sister Ann Christian, brother-in-law Mike Smith and wife Janet Smith, brother-in-law Harry Smith and wife Jill; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and life-long friends Tom and Alice Middleton and Bobby and Beth Green.

The pallbearers will be David Bigge, Samuel Bigge, Nathaniel Bigge, Bobby Green, Scott Smith, and Brian Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Middleton, Mike Smith, Harry Smith, Edward Tillman, and Max Tillman.

Sandy leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, dedication, and humor. His memory will be a blessing to all who knew him.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Stoney Brook Senior Care Center and the team at ACG Hospice for their love and care for Sandy in his final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.