It's with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of The Man, The Myth, The Legend, Michael W. Tilley, dedicated husband, devoted father, loving son, brother, and friend, age 58, of Hackettstown, NJ. He left this Earth too early on June 9th, 2023 surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was born in Du Quoin, IL on May 4th, 1965, to the late John W. Tilley and Shelby (nee: Fisher).

Michael graduated from Du Quoin High School in 1983 before attending John A. Logan College and Southern Illinois University where he graduated with a B.S. degree in Marketing and Management in 1988. He had completed 24 out of 56 credit hours towards his MBA at SIU. From there, Michael flourished into a successful businessman where he never missed a sales objective or an opportunity to expand his market. In 1988, he started his illustrious 31 year career in sales and marketing with Marion Pepsi-Cola in Marion, IL. In just his first year with the company, he was awarded Sales Professional of the Year. This award gave him and his wife Rhonda a chance to travel to Ireland and England. In 1991, Michael went to work for Nabisco as a Tel Sell Rep. based in Paducah, KY. In 1995, he was promoted to Account Manager for Schnucks' grocery chain which brought Michael and his wife Rhonda to St.Louis, MO. There they resided in Ballwin, MO, where they bought a house and started their beautiful family. In 2000, he became Associate Director Portfolio and Brand Promotions for Kraft Foods which then brought Michael and his family of four to New Jersey. At Kraft Foods International, Michael was chosen and awarded the Employee Excellence Award in recognition for his outstanding work and achievements. This was a huge honor for Michael as he was the first person to receive this distinction from Kraft Foods International. In 2012, Kraft became Mondelēz international. Here Michael earned the title of US Lead Shopper Marketing Strategy and Strategic Partnerships. He used his business expertise to leverage his company's iconic brands such as Oreo, Chips Ahoy, Ritz, Triscuits, etc. by partnering with companies such as Coke, Hershey, Gallo wines, Sargento, Sabra and many other well known consumer brands. His associations and memberships include: SIU- Executive in Residence, Path to Purchase- Faculty Guest Speaker, Marketing Partnerships- Faculty Guest Speaker, ANA Corporate- Member Guest Speaker. Michael had been rewarded and received recognition for his hard work and dedication on occasions too numerous to count. Over the course of his work life, he got to meet professional athletes, celebrities, and famous musical artists. One of his most favorite experiences was when he got to throw the first pitch at a Cardinal's game in St.Louis in 2019. There aren't enough words in the world to describe the amazing life Michael got to live. Even though Michael possessed great business acumen, it was his personable nature, good looks, and thousand watt smile that helped him climb the ladder of life and to be a huge success. He was a loving man who loved everyone, and everyone loved him. He will be greatly missed.

Above all, Michael cherished his family more than anything in this world. He married Rhonda L. Angleton on May 29, 1989 at the Methodist Church in Pinckneyville, IL. She survives. He leaves behind his son Miles and his fiancé Kendall Davis, and his daughter Parker and her partner Brett Harrison. Michael leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Shelby and Lyle Sizemore. He is survived by his siblings: Robbie Tilley Sr., (Toni), John Tilley, Lyn Carter, Becky Sloan, Michaela Ferguson, and Monica Tilley, all of Du Quoin, IL. He is survived by his nephews Robbie Tilley Jr., (Jennifer), Alexander Angleton (deceased), and Austin Angleton as well as his nieces Jodi Tilley and Chasity Porter (Uriah). He leaves behind his father-in-law Joseph Angleton (Donna), his mother-in-law Lyndia Annis (Wally; deceased), and his brother-in-law Ronnie Angleton (Paige).

Michael has been entrusted to the care of Searby Funeral Home in his hometown of Du Quoin, IL. Friends may call from 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. on Monday, June 19, 2023 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin. Graveside services will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin where he will be laid to rest. Friends may make memorials to the Perry County Humane Society and will be accepted at the funeral home. To Michael, the man who never did anything he didn't want to, but did everything he ever wanted to, rest in peace.