Ronald Lee Tilghman

Ronald “Ronnie” Lee Tilghman went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on July 30, 2021 at the age of 85, after a brief illness. He was born on June 19, 1936 in Jacksboro, Texas to Hattie Pearl and James Brackston Tilghman. He was raised on his family farm between Dallas and Ft. Worth in the community of John T. White, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at age 12.

Ronnie graduated from Handley High School in Ft. Worth and soon thereafter enlisted and served his Country honorably as an Air Force fighter pilot over Korea.

After completing his military career, he returned to the Dallas area and flew for Frontier Airlines for 2 years. He then worked a while at American Manufacturing. After that, he worked for DSI doors where he learned the overhead door skills and trade. He started his own business – contracting to build new mini storage units. He expanded his business by adding installation and repair of roll up doors. Over the years, he used this trade to minister to many people.

Ronnie was married twice – once to Geneva Warren who gave him a daughter, Felicia. He then married Sheila Beverlin and had two sons, Michael and Robert.

He was an avid square dancer – this is where he met Belle, his love, for the last 36 years of his life. They both joined First Baptist Church of Sunnyvale, Texas in 1996 where he re-dedicated his life to Jesus and faithfully served in several ministries - Mexico Missions, parking lot, VBS and event registrations and door greeting.
Ronnie loved Jesus. It was obvious if you ever had a conversation with him.
Within the first few sentences, he would work Jesus and his church into the conversation.

He is survived by his daughter Felicia Pastorino, son Robert and wife Robin Tighlman, grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher, Michael, Hannah and Jacob; great grand children Payton, Soraya, Linnea and Bannin; along with companion Belle Anderson, her family, and a host of relatives and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his father James; mother Hattie; son Michael; brother James and numerous other relatives.

Ronnie will be buried on Thursday August 5th at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetary, with full military honors.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Ronnie will be Saturday, August 14th at 11:00 am in the main Sanctuary at Sunnyvale First Baptist Church, 3018 N Beltline Road, Sunnyvale TX 75182.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ronnie’s honor to Sunnyvale First Baptist Church, 3018 N. Beltline Road, Sunnyvale, Texas 75182. (972)226-7105