Garry Wayne Tilley

Garry Wayne Tilley, 76 of Lake Charles, LA was called Home on Friday, March 26, 2021.

He was born on April 4, 1944 to Larry I.V. and Ruth Tilley, and was a lifelong resident of South West Louisiana. He graduated from LaGrange High School, Class of 1961. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United State Air Force as a Security Forces Specialist, then receiving an honorable discharge.

Upon returning home, he enrolled as a cadet for the Lake Charles Fire Department, and upon graduation he worked 6 years as a fireman. It was by sheer chance he met the love of his life on a blind date, it only took this one meeting and they knew it was to be and in June 1967 they exchanged vows.

He was a lifelong member of Glad Tidings Church, and held his faith in high regard. Second to the importance of his faith, was his family. Nothing brought him more joy than welcoming his two children into this world. Together they enjoyed many family vacations, going out on the water in the boat and in the later years, he loved doting on his grandchildren.

His magnetic personality was infectious, his warm, kind, and witty nature ensured that he never met a stranger, everyone came to call him “Pop”, a name given to him by his grandchildren. He was known to be generous, in that he was giving and selfless, always there to help others, even through the personal health troubles he endured.

He was an avid car enthusiast, paired with his wonderful personality that allowed him to be successful in his entrepreneurial endeavors as a car and motorcycle salesman. He owned several car lots over the years and opened the Kawasaki Shop in the Lake Charles and Beaumont area.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, a son in-law, Robert Schuller; his In-Laws, Carlton and Verdie LeJeune; two sister in-laws, Linda Davis and Judy Perkins.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Loretta Ruth LeJeune-Tilley; his children, Rachel Rodriguez-Schuller and Ross Tilley; his grandchildren, Addison Rodriguez, Ashton Rodriguez, Isabella Tilley; his bonus grandchildren, Alexis Schuller, SPC. Keegan Schuller, and Xander Schuller; a brother, Larry (Joyce) Tilley, Terry (Donna) Tilley, numerous extended family and friends; with special recognition to the family he came to know and love through the organ donation from their son Jeremy, George and Deanna Gallant-it was through their selfless choice Garry was able to cherish the additional years with his family.

The family will welcome friends at University Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 beginning at 5pm to 9pm. Visitation will resume on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 9am until time of service. A Celebration of his life will begin at 11am, led by Brother Gary Evers.

We invite you to sign his digital register book, leave a fond memory or sentiment of condolences on our website www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Doctors, nurses, and support staff of St. Luke Hospital of Houston, Floor 6 Cooley A, also Dr. Ryan Foret, Dr. Abu Shamat, and Frensenius Dialysis Center.