Dr. Ron Tilford

Ron was born in Paducah, KY on January 20, 1954 to Charles H. and Rose Kilgore Tilford. He was a 1972 graduate of Heath High School. Ron graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University School of Arts and Sciences and was a 1980 graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Dr. Tilford served his internal medicine residency at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. His ophthalmology residency was served at Vanderbilt University where he served as chief resident in 1983-84. From 1984-2006, Dr. Tilford was in private practice in Atlanta, GA. In July, 2006, Dr. Tilford joined the Paducah Retinal Center and had hospital affiliations through The Eye Surgery Center and Baptist Health. Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Tilford specialized in the diagnostic, medical and surgical care of complex eye disease and injuries.

Dr. Tilford belonged to the following professional societies: American Medical Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Medical Association of Georgia, Georgia Society of Ophthalmology (Chairman-10 years), and the Georgia Society to Prevent Blindness. He held medical licensure in Kentucky, Georgia, California and Tennessee. Dr. Tilford published articles in several professional journals and made numerous presentations across the United States. In addition, he was the founder of Alliance for Eye Care, a non-profit organization which helped support ophthalmologists in eleven different states.

Dr. Tilford dedicated his life to his patients, co-workers and colleagues. His hobbies were vast and eclectic, with interests including music, travel, reading, and collecting rocks, minerals, books and DVDs. Best of all, he collected memories with his loving group of family, friends and extensive support system.

He is survived by his mother, Rose Tilford of Gilbertsville and many extended family members.

Preceding him in death was his father, Charles H. Tilford.

Funeral services for Dr. Tilford will be held at 2pm Monday at Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah with Rev. Keith Tilford officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 4-8pm at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University, 1917 Adelicia Street, Nashville, TN 37212.