Dr. Shelby Grant Tilford

Seneca- Dr. Shelby Grant Tilford, 85, husband of Jacqueline “Jackie” Tilford, passed away Friday, June 10th, 2022, at the Greenville Post-Acute Care.

 

Born in Grayson County, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Ernest and Dolores McGrew Tilford. Dr. Tilford was an atmospheric spectroscopist, Earth scientist, and science program administrator. He retired in 1994 after a long career with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, most recently serving as the Acting Associate Administrator of NASA’s Office of Mission to Planet Earth. He is recognized as one of the main initiators of the Earth system science concept and NASA’s Mission to Planet Earth program, which represented NASA’s contribution to the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Dr. Tilford was known for volunteering much of his time with the Lion’s Club, Computers for Kids program, which gave back computers to many children in the community.

 

Dr. Tilford is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Tilford; son, Michael Grant Tilford and wife Carol of Occoquan, Virginia; a daughter, Michelle Tracey and her husband Jim of Iva, South Carolina; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

 

In addition to his parents, Dr. Shelby Tilford is preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou Earle.

 

A private family service will be held at a later date

 

The family is at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Dr. Shelby Tilford’s can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3223 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, South Carolina, 29169. Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.