Charles Milton Tillman's Obituary
Charles Milton Tillman, age 77, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023 at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was born February 13, 1946 in Jacksonville, FL at St. Lukes Hospital.
On July 17, 1964Charles married the love of his life, mother of his children and best friend, Brenda. Charles attended Ribault Senior High School in Jacksonville and then joined the United States Navy. He spent four years in the navy on the USS Wasp Carrier. During this time, he was part of the recovery of the Gemini Space Capsules. After an honorable discharge, Charles went on to be a diesel mechanic for 25 years with Carolina Freight and Commercial Carrier Corp. and then retired. He was a member of the Teamsters Local Union 512.
Charles loved Bass fishing and was a fishing guide at Beinville Plantation and he was a member of B.A.S.S. Starke Bass Club. He also loved restoring 8N and 9N Ford tractors, coin collecting, puzzles and he enjoyed his family coming to visit at his home to fish, Swim and make memories.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, James Roy Tillman, Sr. and Edith Mae Rimes Tillman, brothers, James Roy Tillman, Jr. and Harry Allen Tillman.
He is survived by his wife Brenda Faye Quick Tillman of Hawthorne, FL; daughter, Teresa Tillman Sofield (John) of Auburndale, FL; sons, Richard Tillman (Cyndi) of Glen St. Mary, FL and Gary Tillman of Babson Park, FL; grandchildren, Kristin Brown (Jason) of Polk City, FL, Jessica Kinney Decatur (David) of Polk City, FL, Angel Tillman of Lakeland, FL, Denae and Gracie Tillman of Babson Park, FL, Karlie and Makhia Tillman of Vermillion, SD; great grandchildren, Kiley, Kayda and Westin Decatur, of Polk City, FL, Charlie Faye Struthers (expected October 2023) Polk City, FL, Karlee and Chase Brown of Polk City, FL, Graceson Balkcom of Lakeland, FL and a host of nieces, nephews and other loved ones.
The family will receive friends Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Hawthorne, 22205 SE 69th Ave. Hawthorne. A burial and short graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Lower Lotts Creek Cemetery, 225 Old Register Way, Statesboro, GA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Charles Tillman to: Florida Bass Nation JR/Highschool Program Attn: David Driggers, 101 Cardinal Lane, Eustis, FL 32726. Any donations received will be put toward a scholarship in Charles Tillmans name and awarded next June at state championship. For questions regarding donations, please call (407) 455-3903.
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