Ralph Tillman

1928 - 2021

TILLMAN, Dr. Ralph A.

The family of Dr. Ralph A. Tillman, MD announce his passing on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the age of 92. Our father and grandfather passed peacefully away after living, in his words, "a long and wonderful life". Born on a farm in Adel, Georgia on May 21, 1928 to Carl and Addie Tillman, Ralph went to Sparks-Adel High School. After attending North Georgia College and being in the Army Specialized Reserve Program, he joined the United States Army Air Corps/Air Force. Ralph served in Japan from 1946-1949. Upon his return, Ralph went to Valdosta State College and graduated in 1953 with degrees in Chemistry and Biology. During his time at VSC, he met Wilma Robertson and they were married in August 1951. Ralph and Wilma moved to Augusta so Ralph could attend Medical College of Georgia until he graduated in 1957. To repay the State of Georgia for a Medical Scholarship, Ralph served Atkinson County for 3 years as a Family Practitioner. Wanting to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology, he moved the family to Atlanta to complete his residency at Georgia Baptist Hospital. In 1964, Ralph joined the Atlanta OB/GYN group serving the women of Atlanta, Dekalb and Gwinnett. Ralph believed in the "Golden Age" of Medicine and lived to take care of his patients with compassion and devotion. As many of his past patients told our family, he was the greatest doctor they ever had take care of them. He brought many babies into this world and found joy in his profession. Ralph was very active as well in the business of medicine and served as Dekalb General Hospital Chief of Staff from 1978-80. He faithfully served the Medical Association of Georgia in many roles and was President in 1996-97. Ralph was also President of the Georgia OB/GYN Society in 1982-83. He served on the Board of the Gwinnett Hospital System and was Interim Medical Director of the Composite Board of Medical Examiners. Ralph was a proud life long Republican and was known as Dr. Republican. He was a Methodist and in 1970, he worked in a Belgian Congo Mission hospital with his family. Ralph retired from his private practice in 1996 and traveled extensively with Wilma while living on Lake Lanier and Jekyll Island. He loved his Georgia Bulldogs, boating, riding his bike, working in his garden, and eating a good meal. He never met a dessert he didn't enjoy. He is survived by his four children - Allen (Betsy) of Flowery Branch, John Mark of Buford, Paul (Nickki) of Buford and Pamela Harris (Sims) of Lilburn. There are 7 grandchildren - Wendy Lowenthal ( Rob), Angela Hartshorn, Mark Tillman (Ewa), Kelly Tillman, Cameron Harris (Sarah), Emma Towey (Evan) and Carsen Harris (Danny). He also has 7 great-grandchildren.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma, parents, brother Carl Tillman (Kay), sisters Aurelia (Lamar) and Cynthia (Johnny).

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts can be sent to Friends of Historic Jekyll.