Fred Hunter Tillman, 74, of Silver City, died peacefully and in no pain at home on Nov. 13, 2015, after a short battle with cancer. A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will be by family members.

Fred was born in 1941 to Francis Tede and Fred Tillman in La Mesa, N.M. As a child he grew up on the family farm in La Mesa and graduated from high school in Anthony, N.M. Fred then moved to Silver City to go to college. He always told the story about how $100 paid for his tuition and books.

Fred worked at the Silver City Daily Press while he attended Western New Mexico University. He graduated with a teaching degree in 1967 and started teaching at Cobre High School in Bayard shortly afterward. Fred was an industrial arts teacher and taught many area kids how to work on engines, weld, build and draft. He also drove a school bus and drove buses for firefighters. He returned to WNMU to earn a master ¹s degree.

Fred had many hobbies but he mostly loved his motorcycles, when he was a younger man, and his NASCAR as he got older. He was always a gun enthusiast and enjoyed hunting and cowboy action shooting.

Fred enjoyed living near the Gila National Forest and considered it his backyard.

He was a Mason and a past Exalted Ruler in the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

Fred married Mary Jo McGee on New Year ¹s Eve 1977. They blended their families and had 38 wonderful years together. They were each other's best friends ever since.

Fred and Mary Jo loved camping with their friends and were members of the Gila Travelers RV club.

Fred was preceded in death by his mother and father; sister, Lois; and daughter, Patricia.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; daughters, April Cayot (Lon) of Rapid City, S.D., and Lois Cooper of Rio Rico, Ariz.; stepdaughter, Jeanne McGee of Las Vegas, N.M.; stepson, Michael Mindon McGee of Silver City; sister, Fran Henry (Al) of Las Vegas, Nev.; brother, Raymond Tillman (Marlene) of Sherman, Texas; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Gila Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Cancer Lunch Program, 1313 E. 32nd St., Silver City, NM 88061 are requested.

Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, "Traditional Services and Care for Your Family and Friends," 210 W. College Ave., Silver City. Phone 575-388-1911. To send condolences login to www.brightfuneral.net.