William "Robert" Earl Tillman

William “Robert” Earl Tillman peacefully passed away on January 3, 2011 at home with his family after a valiant battle with cancer.  He was 49.

He was a lifetime resident of Gainesville and High Springs, as well as a lifetime “Gator.”  He graduated from Oak Hall High School in 1979 and he also attended Santa Fe College and The University of Florida.  He was the owner of Sonny’s Bar BQ in Alachua, and had been in the barbeque business since he was 15 years old.

He is survived by his father and mother, Floyd “Sonny” & Lucille Tillman; a son, Joe Brown; the woman he loved, Elizabeth Nolan; five sisters, Carolyn Tillman, Dianne Tillman, Marian Tomlinson, Amy Tillman and Teresa Wooden; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many, good close friends.  He was an avid musician and a proud member of the “Phlegmtone’s Band.”

Viewing was held Wednesday, January 5, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea, 823 NW 143rd Street (CR 241 North, Jonesville).

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea with Pastor Steve Matchett officiating.  Mr. Tillman will be laid to rest on the “Tillman Farm” in High Springs, Fla., located at 16202 NW 22nd Street, High Springs, Fla. 32643.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UF Shands Cancer Center, P.O. Box 103633, Gainesville, Fla., 32610, Attn: Denise Stobbie.