Tom

Tillman

Tom Carl "Flick" Tillman, age 76, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, in Tupelo, MS, after a series of medical surgeries and a short illness.

He was a member of Zion Springs M.B. Church in Bruce, MS, where he joined at an early age.

Born on June 24, 1949, Tom was a man who devoted his life to hard work, family, and service to others. Tom joined the workforce at Bruce Middle School, where he worked as a custodian, tending to the needs of the faculty, staff, and students.

After which, he spent many years employed at Memphis Hardwood, where he not only worked faithfully in the lumber mill but also served as Vice President of the Union, advocating for the well-being and fair treatment of his coworkers. His leadership and integrity earned him the respect of many.

After his years at the mill, Tom continued his service to the community by working again as a custodian at Bruce Elementary School. Known for his friendly smile and dependable spirit, he took great pride in his work and found joy in encouraging the students and staff. He retired from Bruce Elementary after years of dedicated service, leaving behind fond memories among those he worked with.

Tom Carl was a gifted quartet singer and traveled far and near singing the Gospel and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through song. He sang for many years with the Spiritualaires as a lead and background singer, and later with the Skuna Valley Male Chorus.

Family and community were at the center of Tom's life. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, whether it was sitting and eating at the dinner table, a quiet evening at home watching western movies, or simply lending a helping hand when someone was in need.  He was a handyman to many throughout the community. His humor and steadfast love will be remembered by all who knew him.

On September 16, 1970, he married the love of his life, Shirley.  They shared 54 years together, where he devoted his life to her and their three children.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife of 54 years, Shirley Tillman; two daughters, Tiffany "Tip" Tillman and Jacqueline "Greta" Tillman, both of Bruce, MS, and one son, Rev. Dr. Thomas "Tony" Tillman (Romona) of Pittsboro, MS. Five sisters, Olivia Carter of West Point, MS; Ollie Dunn (James) of Toledo, OH; Dorothy Petty of West Point, MS; Hazel Armstrong of Milwaukee, WI; Alice Faye Posey of Cincinnati, OH. Eight grandchildren, Synquisity Tillman, Pebbles Isabell, Shareese Isabell, Devin Tillman, Jarvis Tillman, Cedric Tillman, Deshawn Tillman, and Ramon Tillman.  Eight great-grandchildren, Bryson Bryd, Emoni Dior Ezell, Kevin Ezell Jr., Ay'millia Jordan, Isabella Lucas, Princeton Kalani Khyair Wright, Khaza Rashad Tillman, Kobe Tremaine Tillman. A special brother-in-law, John "Woot" Kilgore, and two special sisters in laws, Minnie Tillman and Delilar Tillman. He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by both parents, Less and Ruby Tillman; three sisters, Erma Jean Tillman Miles, Marilyn "Sugarfoot" Bobo, and Mary Catherine "Tuda Gal" Hall Kilgore; four brothers, Robert Norville "Tim" Tillman, John Bobo, Lesley "Hot/Hop" Tillman, and Wardell "Nun" Tillman.

Though he has left this earthly home, his legacy of love, hard work, and devotion lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.