Jerry “Curly” Alan Tillett, 86, of Greenville, Texas, passed away on April 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born on February 15, 1939, in Gunter, Texas, to Clarence and Myrtle (Geer) Tillett. He grew up in Van Alstyne, Texas, and graduated from Van Alstyne High School in 1957. Jerry was proud of his time as a Van Alstyne Panther, where he played in all sports and made lifelong memories. After graduation, he honorably served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1962.

On October 15, 1960, Jerry married the love of his life, Kay Taylor, at the Fort Belvoir Army Chapel in Virginia. The two first met at a drugstore in Alexandria, Virginia, while Jerry was serving in the Army and Kay was working for the FBI in Washington, D.C. Together, they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children. They were later blessed with four grandchildren, three great-grandsons, and a great-granddaughter on the way.

Jerry worked for over 30 years as an Appliance Repair Technician at Sears before retiring in 1999. In retirement, he enjoyed working at a local golf course, where he took great pride in keeping the grounds beautiful and well-maintained — a perfect fit for his love of the outdoors and the game of golf.

Jerry was a loyal Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys fan. He really liked going to the Texas State Fair each year and always made sure to get a Fletcher’s corny dog — one of his favorite traditions. He always loved visiting his brothers and sisters and their families. They shared many laughs together and built memories that will be treasured forever. He had a great sense of humor that brought joy to everyone around him. It’s one of the many things we will miss most.

He loved to watch his grandsons play football and basketball and his granddaughters' dance performances — always proud and present at their events. He also loved a good hamburger and had a strong sweet tooth, especially for a homemade German chocolate cake and his favorite honey buns. In recent years, you could often find him in his recliner watching westerns, football, or golf with his beloved dog, Gigi, by his side.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Kay Tillett; his daughter, Pamela Jo Tarrant; and his son, Dale Alan Tillett. Also surviving him are his grandchildren, Jonathan and his wife Kelley, Courtney Tarrant, Lindsey and her husband Brandon LaBouve, and Jeremy and his wife Nicole; great-grandsons, Bennett, Weston, and River; and a great-granddaughter on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne Tillett; his sister-in-law, Rachel Tillett; and many nieces and nephews that he loved very much.

Jerry is preceded in death by his daughter, Wendy Davis; his parents, Clarence and Myrtle Tillett; brothers, Clarence “Son” Tillett, Robert “Rob” Tillett, James Tillett, and Billy Tillett; and sisters, Pauline Gentry, Mary Louise “Jenny” Wise, Juanita Boatwright, and Jo Ann Marr.

Jerry’s legacy of love, laughter, dedication, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.