Edward Tillmes, 71, a long-time resident of Gulf Breeze, Florida passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 25, 1949 in Salem, New Jersey, Ed entered the United States Air Force and ultimately achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant during his 30-year tenure. His dedication to the military earned him many awards and service medals and allowed him to have a positive impact on so many lives.

Following Ed’s well-deserved retirement from the Air Force, he enjoyed golfing, traveling, scuba diving collecting and shooting guns, and most importantly, spending time with his grandchildren. He cherished his time with them on date days, soccer games, school functions, visits to the ice cream shop, and just about any activity involving the outdoors. Ed was a proud member of the NRA and a devoted and faithful member of Coastline Calvary Chapel for 20 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Doris E. Tillmes.

Ed is survived by his wife, Rita ; daughter Danielle Dean and her husband Billy; son Nathan Tillmes and his wife Sarah; daughter Melissa Olson and her husband Christopher; step-son Kristopher Rutherford; step-daughter Tiffany Flores and her husband Robert; sister Diane Hart and her husband Donald; 10 grandchildren; Payton Olson, Andrew Tillmes, Wyatt Dean, Aaron Dean, Caylee Marie Flores, Matthew Tillmes, Gracie Tillmes, Kaden Flores, Paxton Olson and Payson Olson.

Funeral Services, with Pastor Joe Prestridge as officiant, will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Coastline Calvary Chapel in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Serving as pallbearers will be Christopher Olson, Robert Flores, Payton Olson and Kristopher Rutherford. Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Skaggs and Keith Furrow.