Tracy "Joe" Tillery passed away peacefully on March 8, 2021. He was 86 years old, born on December 8, 1934 to Nelson "Dick" and Ruby Tillery in Fair Grove, Missouri.  Joe grew up in the Fair Grove and Ebenezer area.  He was a Veteran of the United States Navy serving in the Korean War. He likes to tell the story of how at one time he and his brother Jerry were stationed on the same ship, the USS Jason.  He married Barbara McNutt on February 23, 1954 and began the life of hard work and raising a family.  He worked at Evans Drug, Ken's Appliance Center, JC Penney, Tracker Marine as a courier for many years and, to his great joy and pleasure, was the engineer of the train at Dickerson Park Zoo for some years.

Eight years ago, upon his wife's passing, his health concerns began to increase and it became necessary for his family to develop new routines to help with his care and medical appointments and such.  Wednesday night dinners with Dad became a ritual where we would take turns picking what carry out meal we would have.  When he was unable to drive anymore, he would lovingly refer to us as his "UBER."

Joe was a man that would tell you exactly what he thought, he was kind and generous to a fault.  He loved to camp, fish and hunt in his younger days.  He loved bird watching and could tell you just about anything about any bird.  He enjoyed being a member of and supporting the Elks Lodge.  He loved to watch old westerns, college basketball and Larry's Country Diner.

We are blessed and so grateful that Dad was able to see the birth of 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren whom he was so proud of and loved very much.

Dad was so fortunate to have good neighbors and friends who regularly cared for and checked in with him.  To them we say thank you, you are true angels!

He is survived by one brother, Jerry Tillery, one sister, Jean Wilson, two daughters, Debra Kimbrough (John), and Tracey Gill, grandchildren, Nicole Holt (Josh), Brandon Kimbrough (Christa), Chris Gill, Corey Gill, Connor Gill, and 5 great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Theo and Calvin Holt, Malakai Kimbrough and Katie Gill.

There will be a come and go visitation at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home Monday, March 15, 2021 from 5-7 PM.  His remains will be interred at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Mercy Health Foundation – Oncology Fund, online donations – mercyhealthfoundation.net (cancer care).