Longtime local business leader died from cancer
A longtime local leader in both the City of Cedartown and Polk County’s fought a battle with cancer, and the disease finally won on Monday night. Scotty Tillery, who served as a Cedartown City Commissioner previously and up until his passing as County Commissioner, was 58.
He passed a month short of his 59th birthday.
Tillery, who with his brother Rocky ran Polk County Public Service, ran Croker’s Hardware, local golf courses including the Cherokee Golf and Country Club, and other businesses around Polk County. He was a 1983 graduate of Cedartown High School.
He leaves behind his wife Ann Marie, Clayton, Russell and Erika Tillery, grandchildren and many other loved ones and friends whose life he touched during his long service throughout the community in various ways.
Tillery was standfast in many efforts, including those to prevent further expansion and growth of the Grady Road Landfill operated by GFL Environmental. He also advocated for crime and drug prevention efforts in the county, economic development and growth, conservation efforts like those undertaken in 2023 with the Potts Hollow Trailhead for the Pinhoti, and much more.
He was also a longtime supporter of local athletics and charitable organizations through his businesses.
He learned of a cancer diagnosis in late Summer 2023 and had been battling the disease up through the end of the year. He announced the diagnosis at Thanksgiving in November and was thankful for all of those who offered their prayers and support while undergoing treatment.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Smith and Miller Funeral Home in Cedartown. Services are planned for Friday, January 5, at Cedartown First United Methodist Church with a visitation to begin at 12 p.m. and the funeral service to follow the visitation at 3 p.m.
The church made an announcement about his passing, and through that asked for privacy for the Tillery family at this time.
State Senator Jason Anavitarte reached out with the following statement after Tillery’s passing as well:
“It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and constituents of Commissioner Scotty Tillery, who passed away last night. Commissioner Tillery’s unwavering dedication and service to the community of Cedartown have left an indelible mark, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Commissioner Tillery’s commitment to public service, his passion for the betterment of Cedartown and Polk County, and his tireless efforts to improve the lives of its residents have earned him the respect and admiration of many,” the statement read.
“During this challenging time, I want to express my sincere sympathy and support to Commissioner Tillery’s family, friends, and the entire Cedartown community. May they find strength and solace in the cherished memories of a dedicated public servant and a beloved community leader.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
The County Commission added the following announcement:
“On January 1, 2024, County Commissioner, Scotty Tillery, passed away. Polk County has lost a true public servant.
Mr. Tillery had served on the Polk County Board of Commissioners since 2015 and was the Finance Committee Chairman. He also served on the Public Works and Ordinance Committees, the Polk County Board of Health, and the ACCG GEBCorp Board of Directors. Scotty was always involved from start to finish on many county projects. Most recently, he was the Board’s representative to lead a Courthouse architectural design study and he was very instrumental in bringing Polk County a trailhead for the Pinhoti Trail.
Scotty was known to have an open door policy for the public. Anytime someone saw Scotty, he was more than likely on the phone talking county business or telling someone he would call them right back. His love for Polk County was extreme and he had a strong passion to continue moving the County forward.
While Mr. Tillery took his Commissioner role very serious, he also knew how to make people laugh and smile. There was never a dull moment when you were in the room with him. Whether it was a lengthy Finance Committee meeting or a quick phone call, Scotty always kept people on the edge of their seats.
Please keep his family, friends, and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days and weeks. Mr. Scotty Tillery will be dearly missed.”
Check back for any further details as they become available, and a full obituary to be provided by Smith and Miller Funeral Home in Cedartown.
