Shawn Timothy Tilley, age 62, of Dayton, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2024 at his home in Dayton, Tennessee. The Sky Dragons! He joined the United States Army right at 17. He was assigned to the Headquarters Commandant's Office of the XVIIIth Airborne Corps, as a 71L1P Administrative Specialist. He competed in, and 'earned' the title of Top Soldier of Headquarters Command in August 1980. He was injured in a parachute jump. He did not accept a profile, and returned to duty. The Red Devil or Red Diamond Division. He was then assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana! He was again assigned as a 71L1P. He was reclassified to 11B1P as a member of the Fifth Mechanized Infantry Division's 3rd Battalion Eleventh Infantry Regiment 'Above The Rest's' Alpha Company. He competed in both Division Top NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) and Soldier Competitions. He never really counted them up. The Old Guard of the U.S. Army. He would just say ( 10)! He was then assigned to Charlie Troop of the 'Old Guard' at Fort Myer under the leadership of President Ronald Reagan. He participated in the internment Ceremony of Vietnam's 'Unknown Soldier', of which he was most proud. He medically retired from service at the age of 23 at 80% rated disabled in 1985. He earned 60% Combat Service Connected status during the Cold War in his 100% VA rating! He competed and earned 'Runner Up' in May of 1983 in the Old Guard's TOPNCO competition. He served as Squad Designated Shooter with both the M14 and M16A1 rifles. He served as a Fire Team Leader and 'Firing Party' Commander in the Old Guard. He lived at home with his wonderful, dear, sweet Anna; daughter, Faithe Tilley (David Cox); grandson, Larkin Wyatt; step-mother, Virginia Tilley; sister Jolene Mewing dog, Bear and cat, Dinky. The Rev. Cy Harris will conduct the graveside service on Monday, June 24 at 2 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

His book, 'The Christmas King!' maybe purchased on amazon, when searching use the exclamation point.