Stanford Little Tillman

Stanford Little Tillman, age 89, of Hazlehurst, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Lakeside Senior Living in Douglas, leaving this world much the way he lived in it: with grace, warmth, and a smile.

Mr. Tillman was born on July 4, 1936, in Surrency, Georgia, to the late Herschel Tillman and the late Ruth Collins Tillman. A third-generation forester, he owned and operated Tillman Wood, proudly carrying forward his family’s legacy and deep love of the longleaf pine forest.

He was an avid runner who loved participating in marathons, proving time and again that age was merely a suggestion. He was a devoted member of the First Methodist Church of Surrency and Hazlehurst and their choirs. Whether lending his voice in song or his presence in community, Stanford showed up fully, faithfully, and with a good sense of humor.

His dedication to public service was evident during his time as Mayor of Surrency, where he served with integrity, humility, and genuine care for the people he represented. He delighted in music, laughter, and giving, especially in the form of unique currency, which he joyfully handed out to countless children over the years. Many kids walked away richer in more ways than one.

Above all, Stanford was a warm, kind, funny, and bright human being who impacted many lives simply by being himself. He loved well, laughed easily, and left people better than he found them.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Barbara Burkhalter Tillman of Hazlehurst; daughters, Kimberly Tillman Bahrami of St. Simons and Kayla Tillman of Douglas; one grandchild, Ariana Bahrami of Santa Cruz, California; and several nieces and nephews who will carry his stories forward.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Dr. Tommy Jordan officiating. Interment will follow in Bethel Methodist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Forrest Wildes, Doug McGowan, Alton Covington, Thomas Bland, Mark Melton and Brent Rucker. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. 

In honor of Stanford’s life and the values he held dear, the family invites those who wish to make a donation in his memory to consider the Longleaf Alliance, supporting the forests he so dearly loved, or the Make-A-Wish Foundation, reflecting his generosity and lifelong joy of brightening the lives of children.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.