SPARTANBURG, SC: The Spartanburg City Fire Department announces, and the City of Spartanburg was saddened to learn of the passing of Fire Chief Albert (Tilly) Tillotson (Ret.) on April 12, 2022.
Chief Tillotson grew up in Spartanburg and graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1939. Chief Tilly served in United States Army Air Corps during World War II in the European theater. He joined the Spartanburg Fire Department under Chief W. O. Blackwell on June 12, 1950. As a firefighter, Tilly was given the opportunity learn all aspects of the department’s operations and was assigned as Chief W. O. Blackwell’s Administrative Assistant while working through various positions within the department.
Chief Tilly was appointed as the Fire Chief on January 1, 1967. Under his leadership, the department added three new fire stations to better protect the citizens of Spartanburg. Chief Tilly improved working conditions for personnel by changing shift hours to a 24 on/24 off, schedule. During his time as Fire Chief, he served as President of the South Carolina Firefighter Association from 1980-1981.
Chief Tilly had a gentle demeanor and was not afraid to tackle hard issues but preferred to settle differences through sensible cooperation by taking the “high road.” Chief Tillotson served the Spartanburg City Fire Department thirty-six years with nineteen years as the Fire Chief. He then retired to a quiet life on the East side of Spartanburg. Chief Tillotson was ninety-nine years of age upon his passing and was living in Georgia with his daughter Sandra Tillotson Woody.
Receiving of Friends will be Saturday April 16, 2022, at Dunbar Funeral Home at 11:00 am followed by a service at 12:00 pm in the chapel located at 690 Southport Rd. Roebuck, SC. 29376. A burial procession to Greenlawn Memorial Gardens on Fernwood-Glendale Rd. in Spartanburg will follow. Fire Apparatus are welcome. Please contact Battalion Chief Doug Lea at (864) 809-3387 if your department would like to join the procession. Via Press Release