Jeffrey "Jeff" Lynn Tilghman age 75 of Pittsville, VA passed away suddenly Friday, July 24, 2026, at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital in Lynchburg, VA.

Born April 11, 1951, in Danville, VA, he was a son of the late Cecil Herman Tilghman and Doris Abbott Tilghman. Jeff was a former real estate agent and retired as a teacher with Pittsylvania Career & Technical Center.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Buckingham Tilghman of the residence; and their fur baby Abby; one stepson, Stephen Tucker and wife, Stefanie of Scottsdale, AZ; one stepdaughter, Courtney Orebaugh and her children of Charlottesville, VA; one sister, Anne Bowman and husband, Garry of Durham, NC; a nephew Gordon Bowman and wife, Irina of London, ENG; and a niece Hilary Dredla and husband, Russ and their children of Vilas, NC.

Jeff was an avid chess player and an International Chess Master. He was a member of the International Correspondence Chess Federation, where he earned a bronze medal in the XIV Olympiad. His other passions included music and spending time on his deck, enjoying the scenic views of the lake where he and his wife lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pittsylvania Pet Center, 11880 US Highway 29, Chatham, VA.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.