Jesse Melvin Tillman Jr. Obituary

Jesse Melvin Tillman, Jr. died on September 18, 2015 in hospice care at Carillon Assisted Living Center. A native of Durham, he was the only son of Jesse Melvin Tillman, Sr. and Susie Mae Lipscomb Tillman. He was a graduate of Durham High School and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A long time member and leader within Durham?s business and civic community, he was as Elder of Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church; a president of Guaranty State Bank, Scottish Savings and Loan, and the Tobaccoland Kiwanis Club; and a real estate broker with Frank Ward Realtors.

Melvin Tillman loved his family, Durham, golf, his North Carolina Tar Heels, and his nation. He enjoyed spending time with and being a part of the lives of his many grandchildren whom he dearly loved. As a director within Durham?s Department of Recreation he assisted and trained many of Durham?s youth. As a member of Croasdaile Country Club he participated in the club?s early development and operations. As a proud member of the Educational Foundation, he endowed two womens? golf scholarships at the University. As a U.S. Coast Guardsman, he served on board U.S.C.G.C. Eastwind as a part of her historic missions above the Arctic Circle.

Mr. Tillman is predeceased by his wife Janet Brooks Kirkland Tillman. He is survived by his wife Merita Mae Vaughan Tillman; his daughter, Janet Sue Tillman; and his three sons, their wives and children: Jesse Melvin Tillman, III, Carolyn, James, and Joshua; Jeffrey Kirkland Tillman, Janis, Jacob, and Julia; and Joseph Laurance Tillman, Dana, Jessica, Ryan, and Addison.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Mount Bethel Presbyterian Church in Durham, NC. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Duke HomeCare and Hospice and/or Mount Bethel Presbyterian Church.

Published by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc - Durham on Sep. 19, 2015.

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Dale Edgerton

April 30, 2017

I was thinking about Melvin and came across his obituary just now, nearly two years after his death. I remember him and his family from Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church in Durham. A super nice man who had an infectious smile. Fly high.

Jan Tillman

October 26, 2015

Dad .your light will always shine forever in our hearts.

Kathy Legnaioli

September 25, 2015

Merita and Mary Kay -- so very sorry for your loss. Sorry I wasn't able to attend your ceremonies -- trying to fit things in with my Mom's Dr. schedule also. Thinking of all of you. Kathy

Bill Graham

September 22, 2015

I was extremely saddened to learn the news of Melvin. Our friendship began when Jay was about nine years old and came to First Presbyterian Church where I was organist to audition for a boys choir which didn't even have a name yet. Melvin helped me organize the group, get a Board of Directors, just everything needed to get it running as the Durham Boys Choir. Then in the 80's I lived at his grandfather's house on Weaver Dairy Rd. in Chapel Hill for 10 years where hundreds of boys in the Choir loved to come out 4 or 5 times a year and enjoy the barn the pond and covered dish meals after concerts. Chapel Hill East is near that area now. Melvin was one of the most wonderful persons I have ever known, and the NC Boys Choir would never have gotten off the ground without his help. I shall always remember Jan and Melvin with the greatest admiration and love. And my thoughts and prayers are with Jay, Jan, Jeff, Joey and their families, and Merita.

Bill Graham
Dir., NC Boys Choir
Retired

Cathy Bordeaux

September 22, 2015

Jay, Jan, Joey and Jeffrey! I will always remember our cherished Christmas Eves at Aunt Ethel's and Aunt Dora's as Children. I know that you may not have been old enough to remember them but they were such fun and joyous family times together. Your Dad and Mom always had the brightest smiles to share. I looked forward to that time every year to be together with that side of my family. I will always remember your Dad as a kind and loving man! Keeping all of you and your spouses and children in my thoughts and prayers! Cathy (Lassiter) Bordeaux

Ellen Oakley

September 22, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Tillman, and especially Merita and daughters, our long time friends.
Love and Blessings,
Harry and Ellen Oakley

September 21, 2015

Will be missed very much, but have wonderful memories of our time together planning high school reunions. Thinking of you Merita. Peggy Cottle

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