On December 31, 2023, the Lord saw that the road for our loved one, Michael John Tilton, was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. The good Lord gently closed Mikes weary eyes and whispered "Peace Be Thine." Michael John Tilton was born on August 11, 1965 in Jacksonville, Florida to Mr. and Mrs. William Nelson Tilton. Early in his life, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Mike was employed by Publix Super Markets for nearly 30 years. He worked at several store locations and in various positions. Mike was the Grocery Manager in 1998 at the Main Street store. Mike was a committed employee; he was hard-working and took great pride in his work and his store. Publix was like a family to him and it is where he made life-long relationships. Due to declining health and working conditions during Covid, Mike had to resign from Publix, the company which had meant so much to him. Mike enjoyed talking with people on the job and off the job. He always had a lot to say and to laugh about. Mike had a passion for fishing and boating, which he had enjoyed doing with his friends. He also enjoyed watching Nascar races with his son Riley. Mike was a loyal Gators fan. On any given Saturday off, Mike would watch the football game, along with some tailgating. Mike loved working outside, whether it was maintaining landscapes, cars, or homes. Even as his health deteriorated, Mike could be seen mowing the yard on his riding lawn mower. Mike is survived by his son, Michael Riley Tilton (whose mother is Kelly Whitworth Tilton) of Gainesville, FL; his mother, Patricia B. Andrews of Longwood, FL; his sister, Stacy Dalton of Maitland, FL; and his two nephews, Robert (Trey) Dalton of Gainesville, FL and Tyler Dalton of Maitland, FL. Mike was preceded in death by his father William Nelson Tilton and his older brother Gregory Charles Tilton. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 11:00 at the Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609. Visitation with the family is 1 hour prior to the service from 10:00 - 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you feed the local homeless or donate to a homeless shelter. Visitation Thursday, January 11, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL 32609 US 352-378-2528 Funeral Service Thursday, January 11, 2024 11:00 AM - Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL 32609 US 352-378-2528 Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528