Mr. Samuel Taylor Tilson

Our charismatic and beautiful son and brother, Samuel Taylor Tilson, lost his lengthy battle with drug addiction Sunday morning, February 21, 2016. Samuel was the son of Terry and Jamie Moore Tilson, and the brother of Emily Brooke Tilson, all of Tamassee, SC. His 25 years and 28 days of life began on the snowy day of January 24, 1991, in Anderson, SC. The perfect little baby boy God sent was more than our hearts or minds could have ever imagined. He was an angel straight from Heaven. We have always been, and forever will be, grateful God chose us to be his parents. The pleasure was ours. Samuel was blessed with great looks, remarkable intelligence, superior wit, and a killer dimpled smile. His charming personality and unwavering loyalty afforded him countless friends all throughout his life. His heart was full of genuine love and generosity. He never met a stranger and had an extra special place in his heart for elderly people. He, himself, was always an old soul, of sorts. How else can you explain his love for pickled okra, turnip greens, hot coffee, The Temptations and Elvis by age four? This, of course, helped to fuel the musical fire that burned so fiercely in Sam's heart. He loved to sing, play the guitar, and perform for anybody that would listen. His musical influences were many and his talent was a gift he loved to share. Aside from his music, Samuel was passionate about sports. He played basketball and golf throughout middle and high school for Tamassee-Salem Eagles until his graduation in 2009. His coaches and teammates during these special years remained close to his heart throughout his life. Sam was also an avid USC Gamecock fan. Being a house divided, this always added extra sparks to our house in late November. We tried to make nice with him by offering to buy him some deeply discounted garnet and black clothes we saw in January. He declined. Samuel accepted Jesus Christ as his savior as a young man. What an incredible moment as parents, and as believers of the gospel, to see your child's profession of faith! Words cannot describe the peace we received knowing our Sam has the promise of eternal life. This promise from God gives us, his family, total assurance we will be reunited with our son completely healed from the demons of bipolar disorder and addiction. God is so good. Samuel had the most loving and supportive grandparents that loved and prayed for him faithfully. His Papa and Nana are Howard and Patricia Tilson of Salem. His Gaga is Sheila Moore of Oakway. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Also, by Oliver, the loving family cat, whom Samuel adored. Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 PM, Thursday, February 25, 2016, at Davenport Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2:00–4:00 PM, Thursday, February 25, 2016, prior to the service at Davenport Funeral Home. Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to Our Daily Bread, 106 Jordan St, Seneca, SC 29678 or Our Daily Rest, P.O. Box 1246 Seneca, SC 29679. Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look once in a while, you could miss it.

Mr. Samuel Taylor Tilson

January 24, 1991 - February 21, 2016