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John Tiller Obituary
John H. Tiller, 60, beloved husband of Dana R. Tiller and dear friend to those whose lives he touched, died May 31, 2022 in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. surrounded by his loving family. John was born March 16, 1962 in Georgetown, S.C. to the late George E. Tiller and Dorine C. Tiller. He spent his childhood in Georgetown where he made many fond memories with lifelong friends and cousins. John attended Winyah High School, College of Charleston, and University of South Carolina School of Law.
John began his legal career with Sinkler & Boyd, a predecessor firm of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, in 1987, upon graduation from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Recognized for his leadership, John served on the Management Committee of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd from 2008 to 2013.
He was a graduate of the College of Charleston and took an active role in supporting the College as a member of the Foundation Board, past President of the Cougar Club Board, and committee member of the John Kresse Invitational Golf Tournament. John and his wife Dana ardently supported the College's men's basketball team.
John was a member of the Country Club of Charleston where he served on the board and was a past club president.
A pre-eminent trial attorney and mediator, John was held in the highest regard by clients, the judiciary and other lawyers, both plaintiff and defense. His success was evident in the number of recognitions bestowed upon him by numerous legal publications and organizations. He was named the "South Carolina Litigator of the Year" in 2012 by Benchmark Litigation, received the "Worthy Adversary Award" in 2016 by the South Carolina Association for Justice and was recognized with the "Gold Compleat Lawyer Award" in 2018 by the University of South Carolina School of Law Alumni Council.
John was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who loved spending time playing golf, boating, fishing and hunting with friends, including his lifelong friend and cousin, Bradley Tiller.
John and Dana are members of Stella Maris Catholic Church in Sullivans Island, S.C. and Prince George Winyah Church in Georgetown, S.C.
John is survived by his loving wife of thirty-three years, Dana and numerous godchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins, all of whom gave him great joy.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, George Edwin Tiller, Jr.
A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held at Prince George Winyah Church in Georgetown, S.C. on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. The family will receive guests in the Parish Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Prince George Winyah Church, 301 Screven Street, Georgetown, S.C. 29440
Please sign a guestbook at: www.mayerfuneralhome.com.
The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home is assisting the familty
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Tiller
Sponsored by Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home - Georgetown Chapel.
JAMES TURNER
May 26, 2023
Even the most optimistic in our legal profession must confess that collegiality has progessively waned rather than waxed. So let us take a moment to remember one of our finest and his family. This good man did not need to take a mandatory civility oath. If you looked up that word in the dictionary it was probably a picture of Tiller.
Bill and Patricia Hocutt
June 16, 2022
Dana,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of John's passing. You and John were our favorite members of the Mt Pleasant Coltillion and enjoyed our time with you both while serving on the Board. Our very best to you and hope that you can say strong and healthy in John's absence. Miss you.
Joe and Jenny Miller
June 6, 2022
With our deepest sympathies and prayers. Love, Joe and Jenny Miller
Teresa Zachry Hill
June 6, 2022
John was a lawyer who could relate to a client,juror,or opposing legal counsel on a genuinely personal level. When we were young lawyers trying a case against each other in Charleston County -in summation he started talking to the jury about cookies in the jar when he was a kid - everyone in the courtroom could see and feel the rapport between John and the jurors in the box -heck, it practically felt like those jurors were hugging him. Like those jurors, Tiller had the ability to connect with those he represented, as well legal
colleagues, on such a personal and professional level that it made him the perfectly suited for mediation. We all loved Tiller - who didn´t want to mediate a case with John. You knew that he was neutral because he made us all feel heard and understood. Almost as important as his ability understand us all was his presence - John Tiller practicing law was the happiest person in the room. His smile and laugh were truly infectious. Tiller was not only legal titan in the South Carolina legal community but a genuinely kind hearted person who will be greatly missed.
Lisa McPherson
June 2, 2022
My deepest sympathies to you, Dana, to all John´s family, and to all who knew, loved, and respected him. He was always kind, compassionate, and funny, in addition to being incredibly competent and skilled and was always a class act. He will be missed in this profession and by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Edward K. Pritchard, III
June 2, 2022
John was a great guy, a great lawyer, a great mediator, and most importantly a great friend. He will be terribly missed.
Sam Hines
June 2, 2022
John was a friend and a great mediator. I will miss him so much.
Ervin Blanks
June 2, 2022
I attended the College of Charleston and Law School with John. I also had several cases with him after we both passed the Bar. Not only was he a brilliant lawyer he was a gentleman in everyway. He was honest, kind and hardworking. The world would be a better place if there were more people like John. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Ervin Lindsay Blanks
HENRY ROBINSON
June 2, 2022
John Tiller was a blessing to our entire family. He will be loved by us all...forever !!!
Frank Mood
June 2, 2022
John was an essential part of our law firm. More significantly, he was an essential part of every life he touched. A good man.
JAMES TURNER
June 2, 2022
His truly unique gifts of an innate laserlike focus enabling him to immediately identify and resolve the most complex issues whether advocate or mediator combined with the kind heart of a genuine gentleman will forever be remembered and appreciated .
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