William Thomas Tillar, III, Bill, as he was known to everyone, passed away July 7, 2026. He was born April 20, 1941, in Roanoke Rapids, NC to the late Donaldson Preston Tillar and Bettie Billingsley Tillar. Bill moved to Emporia, VA around the age of 12 and remained there until the time of his passing. He married the late Pattie Wood Tillar in 1964. Bill graduated in 1964 from Southern College of Optometry and practiced in Emporia until he retired in 2017. Although no longer seeing patients in his office, Bill continued to practice optometry by traveling several days a week to various correctional institutions throughout the state of Virginia providing eye care to offenders. He finally retired in 2019 due to a decline in health. After retirement, he enjoyed “piddling” in his garage, relaxing outside in the fresh air and sunshine, and taking trips to his friend’s farm.

In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his wife Pattie, of 49 years; his daughter Anne Warren Tillar; his brother and sister-in-law David Billingsley Tillar and Ames Brothers Tillar; his nephew Donaldson Preston Tillar, III; his brother-in-law Edward Massenburg Wood, Jr.; and his niece Stacy Wood Alphin.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter Julia Leavelle Tillar (Rich Somogyi); his grandchildren Alexander Thomas Younger (Lauren), Meredith Younger Phillips (Ryan) and Christian Timothy Younger; his great granddaughter Lilah Anne Phillips; his brother and sister-in-law Colonel (Ret) and Mrs. Donaldson Preston Tillar, Jr.; his sister-in-law Carolyn Smith Wood; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 2:00PM at Emporia Cemetery, 434 Brunswick Ave., Emporia, VA., with the Rev. Wesley Taylor officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kandy Bryant Poarch Memorial Foundation, c/o Frankie Bryant, 1941 Sussex Drive, Emporia, VA. 23847, or to Pine Forest Rest Home, 3277 NC-35, Potecasi, NC, 27867. Friends and family may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com.

The family would like to thank Liberty Home Care and Hospice for their love, support, and compassionate care, as well as the staff at Pine Forest Rest Home for the care provided to Bill.