Willis Dean Tiller
1942—2025
Willis Dean Tiller, age 83, of Morehead (formerly of Martin County), passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia.
Born Sept. 1, 1942, in Williamson, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Hiram Tiller and Anna Mae Robinson Tiller.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one sister, Kimberly Ann Price.
Dean is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Josephine Stanley Tiller; one daughter, Tammy Hylbert (Dwayne) of Berea; two grandchildren, Kathryn Hylbert and Jacqueline Hylbert; two brothers, Wayne Tiller of Johnson County and Ed Tiller of Sevierville, Tennessee; and two sisters, Phyllis Bailey and Carol Lynn Sammons, both of Martin County. He is also survived by other family members and friends who will cherish his memory.
Dean proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era from 1966 to 1968, where he worked as a company clerk. From 1968 to 1972, he continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal in recognition of his service.
He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Morehead State University and later retired as a warehouse manager for Adelphia/Time Warner Cable. Dean was a member of Cranston First Church of God, where he taught Sunday school for several years.
Dean loved the outdoors and took great pride in mowing and manicuring his yard. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel in Morehead with Pastor Glenda Pettit officiating. The service was live-streamed at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals’ Facebook page. Immediately following the service, Morehead American Legion Post 126 presented full military honors at the funeral home.
Burial followed in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Dean’s family and friends served as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Cranston Church of God, c/o Jody Caudill, Treasurer, 420 Cross Creek Road, Morehead, KY 40351.