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Charles TILLERY Obituary
Charles Louis Edward Tillery, age 93, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2014, in Austin, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born July 13, 1920, in Arlington, Texas to Louis Edgar Tillery and Mary McKnight. Following graduation from Arlington High School in 1937, he attended North Texas Agricultural College. Later transferring to The University of Texas at Austin, he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1941.
Charles proudly served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in France and Germany. He displayed love for his country until the end. He married Laura Pauline Guerry on November 17, 1943. Before and after World War II, he attended Harvard Graduate School of Business receiving his Master of Business Administration in 1947.
Charles starting working for Sears Roebuck executive management in 1947, and never left Sears until his retirement in 1980. During this time, Charles held management positions in Oklahoma City, Waco, Albuquerque, and Arlington. From 1959-1980, Charles was Store Manager in Baytown, Texas. During this tenure, Charles was dedicated to volunteer community service in Baytown. He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club, President of Baytown YMCA, President of Community Chest, President of Robert E. Lee Chapter of the American Field Service, and President of Grace United Methodist Church Board of Stewards. In addition he was a member of the San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Board, Board of Harris County Savings and Loan, Board of Empire Savings and Loan, and Board of Houston Diabetes Association.
After his retirement, Charles continued to use his management skills from 1984-1996, as the Limited Partner of Sally Tillery, Ltd., his daughter's speciality gift shop in Houston. Charles was devoted to Paula, his wife of 54 years, until her death in September 1997. He moved to Austin, Texas in 2010 to reside at Longhorn Village where he met a new family of amazing, loving friends.
Charles was an avid University of Texas supporter and fan. He loved all sports; he loved duplicate bridge receiving his Life Master Certificate; but, most of all, he loved family and friends. Charles taught "by example"--he lived his life with integrity, honesty, fairness, and dignity. He was a man of high morals but kindness of heart. He held high expectations but was accepting and loving. He was a true Gentleman from "The Greatest Generation" and will be deeply missed. For all of us who knew him and loved him, we hope we can live up to his legacy.
Charles was preceded in his death by his sisters, Mary Louise Tillery and Edwina Jane Tillery. He is survived by his three daughters, Laura Madeline Krueger of Houston, Victoria Ann Hemphill of Austin, and Sally Tillery Foster of Houston; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Briggs and Mary Katherine Coffey; and three great-grandchildren, James Ross Coffey, Caroline Elizabeth Briggs, and Matthew James Briggs.
Family service will be held on Saturday, June 28, at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth Texas, at 2p.m. "Celebration" of his life will be held at Longhorn Village, Austin, Texas, at 4p.m. on Sunday, July 13 --Charles' birthday.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles TILLERY
Sponsored by Laurel Land Memorial Park - FW.
Lanny Griffith
June 25, 2014
Girls, my family is saddened to hear of Charles' passing but know he is in the loving arms of your Mom. Our hearts are pouring out love for you and wish we could be there to give you all a hug. As a father of two daughters I can tell you your Dad loved you so much and was so proud of every thing you did. You brought great joy to his life. We shall miss his fellowship at church, his duty to yard work, and service to God. God bless you all.
Bill Brending
June 25, 2014
Charles was a great Bridge partner. Always understanding and never judgmental of my many mistakes. I will never forget the joy of being his partner on the occasion of his earning his "life Master". He was a great friend to Linda and me. We will miss the periodic phone calls we shared with him following his move to Austin and look forward to seeing him in Heaven.
John Villella
June 25, 2014
I worked with Mr. Tillery in Albuquerque in 1951
James Beasley
June 24, 2014
I knew both of the Tillery's through duplicate bridge. They were both very fine people, and I enjoyed knowing them.
Weldon Haltom
June 24, 2014
I worked at Sears for Mr. Tillery while going to Lee College after graduating in 1967. I left in 1969 after being drafted. I came back to Sears after my tour of duty in Vietnam was over and Mr. Tillery welcomed me back with what seemed like a lot of pride and admiration in his eyes. He was a good man and a wonderful leader. I will remember him and the girls in my prayers.
Mary Ann Jones Quimby
June 24, 2014
Dear Laura,Ann and Sally,
I remember your dad as being a very kind, honorable man. I know he will be missed be the many lives he touched. Mom and Dad really thought a lot of him.
Noble Jones
June 24, 2014
Dear Laura, Ann, and Sally, so sorry to learn about Charles Louis. I remember him as someone I admired greatly, mom and dad thought the world of him also. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Noble "David" Jones III
June 24, 2014
Laurie, Ann, and Sally, I am so sorry about your dad. He was a wonderful man, and I was proud to know him and call him friend and neighbor. He will be missed. Cindy Phillips Schneider
Sherry Williams
June 24, 2014
My senior year of school, I worked at Sears (711 W. Texas Ave, Baytown) while Mr. Tillery was the store manager. He was always nice and very pleasant. A good store manager and a good person.
June 24, 2014
We will miss seeing Mr. Tillery's smiling face here at Longhorn Village. My condolences and prayers for comfort & peace to his family.
Libby Loera
Dawn Lindsey
June 23, 2014
I was blessed to know such a great, wise and happy soul. Dawn Lindsey, Longhorn Village
Nancy Nisson
June 21, 2014
To Ann, and the rest of your wonderful family, my sincere condolences for your loss.
Nancy Nisson (former employee at Longhorn Village)
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