Jay Stafford Tillinghast
August 19, 1944 - May 21, 2025

Jay Stafford Tillinghast, age 80, of Canton, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 doing what he loved — his daily outdoor walk.

Jay was born on August 19, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of the late Harry S. Tillinghast and Virginia A. (Odenweller) Tillinghast. His family moved to Garland, TX in 1956, where he graduated from Garland High School in 1963. He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a BA in finance, going onto grad school at the University of North Texas to earn his MBA in finance.

Following graduate school, Jay enlisted into the U.S. Navy and served his country with honor and integrity as a Lieutenant JG from 1968 - 1971 on the USS Stormes. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1971, he settled in the Atlanta area where he established his career and raised his daughter.

Jay worked in Atlanta marketing communications agencies for more than 25 years. He built a distinguished career in freelance writing, later moving into agency and corporate roles as a Senior Writer and Editorial Director. Jay worked with major firms including Ketchum, Crescent Communications, Content Factor, and Freebairn & Co. He was respected not just for his fast, articulate writing and marketing acumen, but also for his ability translate business goals into marketing communication programs.

Jay continued to live an active and energetic lifestyle after retirement. He was an avid runner for many years, more recently slowing down into his 'old-man jog' and completing a 10K just weeks before his passing. He enjoyed camping, hiking, biking, and adventuring throughout his life. He leaves his family with many cherished memories of family trips to the mountains of Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Jay and Dallas' family bought a home together in Canton, GA in 2021, where he enjoyed being a daily part of his grandchildren's lives. He was frequently found caring for his beloved huskies Aspen and Indie, cheering grandkids on in the stands and on sidelines, shuttling one of them to an appointment or event, and never missed an opportunity to celebrate or support his family.

Jay will be remembered for his boisterous and contagious laugh, his selfless nature, his love of Braves baseball, and most of all, his deep devotion to his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Tillinghast (McNeill), parents, Harry and Virginia Tillinghast, and his brother, Jim Tillinghast.

Jay is survived by his loving daughter, Dallas (Matt) LaPrairie of Canton, Georgia; grandchildren, Skylar Anderson, Joey Courrier, and Everly LaPrairie; sister, Ann (Ross) Kirk of Brandon, Florida; and nieces and nephews: Catherine Tillinghast, Michael Tillinghast, Braden Malnic, Molly Malnic, Jennifer Malnic, Lisa Kirk, and Daniel Kirk.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Darby Funeral Home in Canton. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 12:00 PM in the chapel of Darby Funeral Home.

Dallas and her family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for all the love and support received during such a tremendous time of loss.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Tillinghast family.

The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed at:
https://vimeo.com/event/5174866