George Tillman

George is survived by his life partner of 34 years, Lloyd Banks Bryant of Glen Allen, VA, and by his three daughters and their families, all of Mechanicsville, VA: daughter Angela Denise (Deni) Tillman Smith (sons Landon Thomas Sheppard & Matthew Christopher Sheppard, Deni’s husband Curt L. Smith & their daughter Grace Elizabeth Smith); daughter Dara Allyson Tillman Burgoyne (daughter Devyn Mckenzie Lashley and Dara’s husband Travis Burgoyne); and daughter Jeri Danielle Tillman (son Jace Nellann Kelley and Jeri’s partner Brock Kelley).  George is also survived by his brother, Gary Michael Tillman of Richmond, VA and three nephews: Robert Brent Tillman of Heathsville, VA. (partner Summer Huether & their daughters, Charly & Ela); Nikolai Peter Tillman of Washington, DC; and Luca Stanley Dash of Syracuse, NY.  Also, over the years, George and Lloyd were dads to three fur baby members of the Tillman-Bryant household: TJ (aka ‘Thomas Jefferson’ {Sheltie}), Gini (aka ‘Virginia’ {Mixed breed: Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, Shih Tzu}), and Lottie (aka ‘Charlotte’[sville] {Sheltie})

 

George was preceded in death by his father, George Thomas Tillman, Sr.; his mother, Betty Jane Hall Tillman; and his sister, Angela Leigh Tillman.

 

George graduated from Lane High School in Charlottesville in 1965.  After high school he began his college education at the University of Virginia.  Before completing his education at UVA, George served his country for two years in the U.S. Army stationed in Washington, DC. and at U.S. Army Command in Long Binh, South Vietnam earning the Bronze Star Medal.  Upon returning to civilian life, George completed his education at UVA, graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce.  Upon graduation, George was fortunate to enjoy a long and rewarding career as an accountant with Reynolds Metals Co. and Alcoa, both in Richmond, VA. 

 

From his birth, George was blessed with a strong family relationship with his mother’s mother, “Big Mama”, and his mother’s maternal grandmother, “Little Grandma”.  Over the years, he so enjoyed telling stories of his youth and the times he spent with these two women and the many, many cousins, uncles, and aunts that were a part of his extended family.  From his early college days George was a passionate supporter of civil and human rights and lived his life as an example of love and respect for the inherent dignity of everyone.  His impact lives on in his children and family, his children’s friends, in people he worked with, and in his own friends and acquaintances.  George was a true University of Virginia Wahoo.  Starting with his uncle Russell during his high school days and continuing until late in his life, he enjoyed many priceless hours attending UVA sporting events (football, men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, baseball, and his favorite, lacrosse) with any combination of his partner, daughters, grandchildren, family members, and friends.  Country/western dancing, attending productions of multiple Richmond area theater companies, trips to New York City for family events and the Broadway theater scene, and vacationing in Key West were favorites for George with each of these affording opportunities to meet many wonderful people and to make several very special lasting friendships.  In retirement, George treasured time with his family, working in the yard tending to the many flowers that had been planted over the years, supporting military veterans organizations, and keeping the household accounts organized in his several beloved Excel spreadsheets.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a civil rights/human rights and/or veterans organization of your choice.

A celebration of George’s life will be scheduled for a later date.