Henry Owen Tillman

On August 9, 2016 Henry Tillman joined his beloved wife, mother, father, and many others as he entered his new home with our Heavenly Father, Lord Almighty. He was born September 17, 1934 in Beaufort, SC to Wade S. Tillman and Ruby Riley Tillman. Henry was a graduate of Beaufort High School, Class of 1954, and was affectionately known as “Wick”. He was Co-Captain of the football team and achieved All State Tight end. Henry Tillman served in the U.S. Army beginning in November 1954 and ended his tenure in November 1960. His service included a tour in Alaska and Washington, DC in the Intelligence Branch. After his discharge from the Army he began working for Southern Airlines in Atlanta, GA and Memphis, TN. It was in Memphis that he met his future wife Jerlene “Jerry” and was married 48 years only to be separated by her passing 17 months ago. Henry and his new family began their journey embarking to various destinations in the south. No matter where his endeavors took him, he was always drawn back to the “Low Country” of South Carolina where he grew up. Henry learned to fish, shrimp, tie nets and often would boast of how he could successfully throw a fish net alongside his father before the age of ten. He often reflected of stories of his dad, “Captain T”, sitting in their family room sewing and repairing nets as his father prepared him and his brothers for another day or night on the river. Many memories were shared as he spoke of the fondness he had in his heart of the ocean waters that had embraced him. It is no wonder why Henry followed his yearning to be back on the coast. He started the trek back managing the Bay Pines Marina in Hilton Head, SC. Hence, this new beginning along with the Salt Life he taught his children and grandchildren to become “River Rats” themselves, loving the ocean as he did. After his brother, Bobby ended his Tour of Duty in Vietnam, Henry started Tillman Brother’s Construction business with one truck and a tool box. The two of them began building houses and developing subdivisions in Ridgeland, SC. They later changed their name to Contemporary Builders and built custom homes. Henry’s youngest brother, Wilbur, joined him and they restarted Tillman Brother’s Construction, building homes in Jasper, Hampton, and Beaufort counties. Combining his knowledge of building and real estate he was the Building Inspector in Jasper County and served as Chairman of the Jasper County Planning Commission from 1990-1996. Another of his proud accomplishments is when as Broker, he opened RealSouth Realty in Jasper County. As with many Americans Henry sat in silence with tears falling from his eyes as he watched our nation under attack. “911” proved forever etched in his heart as terrorists relentlessly attempted to destroy the very foundation of our freedom that our armed services have fought and sacrificed to maintain. It wasn’t always work and no play for Henry. He was a skilled fisherman and accomplished golfer, known as “The Legend”, “The Man with the Golden Shaft” who made six “Hole in Ones”. He served as President of the Sargent Jasper Country Club and was a celebrated fan of the USC Gamecocks. Henry is preceded in death by his wife, parents, son Rickey Evans, great grandson Blake Cleveland Owen Denton, brother Jack Walker, and sister Alice Walker Sheppard Long. He is survived by children Shirley (Cecil) Wimbs of Athens, GA, Bobby Evans (Shelby Indyk) of Rowland, NC, Debbie (Tom) Herman of Asheville, NC, Marcia (Rick) Jackson of Seneca, SC). Sisters Louise Duncan of Ridgeland, Patricia Knudson of Ridgeland, Brothers Wade (Ailene) Tillman of Ridgeland, Bobby (Eleanor) Tillman of Beaufort, Carl (Carol) Tillman of Ridgeland, Wilbur (Diane) Tillman of Ridgeland. Henry is also survived by nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Henry, our dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, confidant, and mentor, will live on in the words he said, the lives he touched, and in the happiness he bought to all of us every time we remember him and most importantly he will live forever in our hearts, bringing comfort to everyone. Visitation will be Saturday August 13 at 1 o’clock pm at the Maye River Baptist Church in Bluffton, SC. The funeral service will begin at 3 o’clock pm, officiated by Dr. Jack Gatlin. Burial will be at the Ridgeland Cemetery in Ridgeland, SC. In lieu of flowers donations in Henry’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society.