Tillman Byrd Smith

Tillman Byrd Smith, 91, of Kenly, North Carolina, formerly of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at his home in Kenly. He was born to the late Adna Byrd and Earlie Wright Smith on April 5, 1932.

Tillman was the youngest of four children, Marie Smith Coble, Loy Connell Smith and Truman Sedrick Smith. He graduated from Lafayette School in Harnett County, NC, Class of 1950. During high school, Tillman was active in baseball and basketball. He enrolled at Wake Forest College and graduated in 1954. After graduation, Tillman enlisted in the United States Army serving for two years in Germany. After discharge, using the GI Education Bill, Tillman enrolled at North Carolina State University completing a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. After graduation he was employed by Pratt and Whitney, later known as Raytheon. He worked in Maryland, North Carolina and Florida, retiring in 1987. While in Florida, he met and married Irene Singleton of Quincy, Illinois. Together they enjoyed researching family genealogy. Irene died in 2015.

Tillman was preceded in death by his sister, Marie Smith Coble and brother, Dr. Loy Connell Smith.

Tillman is survived by his wife of seven years Elsa Aguirre Smith, step-sons Jonathan Regalado and wife Latista Regalado, and Dustin Mireles, brother Truman Sedrick Smith (Gwen), sister-in-law Eunice Smith Bland and numerous nieces and nephews. Tillman has been in declining health in recent years. Elsa and her family have been faithful care givers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chalybeate Springs Baptist Church cemetery fund or building fund.

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