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BORN
1948
DIED
2023
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William Tillman Obituary
October 25, 1948 - May 24, 2023
Columbus, Georgia - William T. "Butch" Tillman, 74, of Columbus, GA. passed away on May 24, 2023 at his home.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Sunday, May 28, 2023 at Faith Bible Methodist Church, 5506 Armour Rd. Columbus, GA. with Dr. Michael Williams officiating according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA.
Butch was born on October 25, 1948 in Phenix City, AL to the late George C. and Bessie Lois Tillman. He graduated from Jordan High School where his legend in basketball started. After high school, he attended Columbus State College to earn a Master's Degree in Business/Education and to finish out his basketball legend. Butch played Swift softball, where he could always knock the ball out of the park for his team. He served as a teacher and coach for many years. He was the owner and operator of Tillman Car Care and later in life he worked for Bill Heard Chevrolet where he won a trip to Las Vegas. Butch served his Country in the U.S. Army and fought during the Vietnam Conflict, and on his free time, he enjoyed playing basketball for the Army when possible.
Survivors include his loving wife of 38 years, Brenda J. Tillman of Columbus, sons, Todd Tillman and Drew Tillman, stepdaughter, Bonnie Michelle Campos, grandchildren, Caden Bryant Tillman and Devan Melissa.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Tillman family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Tillman
Sponsored by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.
Billy Bullock
July 30, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of coach Tillman passing. Praying for God's peace for his family. I meet Butch in summer 73 at Kendrick high, he was football coach then.
I use to buy tires from him a few years later. Also played agaisnt his softball team many times. Always thought the best of him.
Eric Bruer
June 10, 2023
Coach Tillman was my wonderful basketball coach at Columbus High when I was a freshman in the early 70's. Great coach with a great sense of humor and man that guy had a pretty jump shot.
Eric Bruer [email protected]
Kim Whitley Wood
June 2, 2023
My condolences to the family of Mr. Tillman. I was a student of his at CHS and he was someone I admired. He put a fire in me and made me want to do better in his class. I won't forget how he pushed me to do better and what an excellent teacher he was!
Bill Blau
May 29, 2023
Though I never had the fortune of actually knowing Butch Tillman, I have heard many of my Central Red Devil (CHS '66) mates mention his name over the years with high respect and admiration. Such that I immediately recognized his name as I scanned the L-E Obituaries. He will not be forgotten by those Central athletes who were fortunate to play against & with him...Bill Blau, Evans/Augusta, GA, Central Red Devil '66
Hugh Rodgers
May 28, 2023
sincere condolences to the family and friends of Butch Tillman. I was sorry to learn of his passing. Butch was a fine basketball player for Columbus College and a good student in my history courses back in the day. REst in peace.
Larry "Red" Cooley
May 28, 2023
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Butch. I had known Butch since the late 70's and had played some softball with him on the Swift Loan teams. He was very outgoing and a fine athlete as well. Butch will be missed by all who knew him.
Genevieve Green
May 27, 2023
Brenda,
I am so sorry to hear of Butch´s passing. Sending prayers.
Genevieve Green
John & Dianne Shafer and Michael Shafer
May 27, 2023
We have wonderful memories of Butch and his family during our time in 1970s Phenix City. The Tillmans were neighbors and friends. Todd, Chris Lammons, and Michael Shafer were just little fellows who frequented their fathers' softball games "back in the day".
We are so deeply sorry for your loss and are praying for the Lord's comfort and peace for you.
John, Dianne, and Michael Shafer,
Richmond, VA
Linda Taylor Brubaker
May 26, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Butch passing away. We attended junior high through college together. The last time I saw him, he was working for a car dealership in Columbus. I dropped off a manila envelope filled with thank you notes from my classes. They
thanked him for his military service to our country. I will be making a scholarship donation at Jordan (DST) in his memory. Blessing to his family and friends.
Doyle and Nancy Allen
May 26, 2023
We are so sorry to hear about Butch's death. I have fond memories of him from Little League days, JVHS, and teaching together at CHS.
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