- Date Of Birth: June 5, 1951
- Date Of Death: March 29, 2014
- State: California
Mr. Tillis peacefully passed away at Olympia Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. He is the husband of Gwendolyn Patterson.
LAVELL PETE TILLIS, affectionately known as “Pete” by family and friends, was born June 5, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the fourth of six children born to William and Earlean Tillis. He began his formal education in Chicago. In 1964, the Tillis Family moved to San Diego, California, where he graduated from San Diego High School.
In 1968, Pete met the love of his life, Gwendolyn Patterson. They were later united in marriage. Their union was blessed beyond measures with forty-five years of incredible happiness and two beautiful children, Jermaine and Chanelle.
In 1971, Pete enlisted into the United States Army. He was Honorably Discharged, in 1973 after being wounded while serving his country with dignity and honor in the Vietnam Conflict.
In 1976, Pete began working for the San Diego Unified School District as a Maintenance Supervisor and later at the San Diego Trolly Metropolitan Transit System as an Electrician. Pete had made many long lasting friendships throughout his life. He was forced into early retirement due to his health. Pete was also a member of the John G. Jones Grand Lodge of California.
Pete was fun loving and had a remarkable sense of humor. He was also very caring, always helping others in need. He enjoyed a good game of pool, cooking, dancing and music, especially old school music. His favorite artist was the renowned Marvin Gaye. He also enjoyed a variety of sports, particularly football and basketball. His favorite teams were the San Diego Chargers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Pete was preceded in death by his mother, two brothers, Al and Herman Tillis and two aunts, Lucille Chatman and Jewel Allen.
On Saturday, March 29, 2014, Lavell Pete Tillis passed away quietly at the Olympia Medical Center in Los Angeles, California while surrounded by loved ones. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Gwendolyn; children, Jermaine Tillis, twins, Jamal and Jamila Tillis, Tamara Tillis, Erika Mitchell and Chanelle Tillis; brother, Willie “Bill” Tillis; two sisters, Jean Jefferson (Jeff) and Ernestine Tillis; sisters-in-law, Rose Wilson and Carol Scott; five brothers-in-law, Charles Patterson, Terry Patterson, Ricky Tannihill, Darrell Scott and Billy Scott; grandchildren, Aliza Tillis, Tyler Tillis, Shamaur Williams, Javoni Brown, Xavier Tillis and Xarieya Mitchell; nieces, Salena Tillis and Carlos Tillis; nephews, Jewel Tillis, Miguel Tillis and Clark Odom Tillis and a host of other relatives, extended family and friends who will mourn his passing, yet celebrate his life.
