Ernest Clifton Tillman, Jr. age 81, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2010 after a long illness. Ernie was born on February 11, 1929, in Tampa, FL to Ernest and Katherine (Outlaw) Tillman. He grew up in Port Arthur, TX and proudly served in the Marine Corps.
Ernie met his wife, Harriet, while she was teaching in Port Arthur, TX. After their marriage in 1957, they moved to Corpus Christi, TX. He taught math and science in the Corpus Christi Independent School District for more than 25 years at Baker, Ella Barnes and Martin Junior High schools where he touched the lives of countless students.
Ernie was an avid reader, a writer and an inventor. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had many hobbies including writing thought-provoking letters to the Editor of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Kyle Steven Klokker.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Harriet Bowen Tillman; his children, Gordon (Michael Ann) Tillman of Humble, TX; Christy (Steve) Klokker of Boerne, TX; Marcus Tillman and Sherilyn (Bobby) Peña all of Corpus Christi, TX. His grandchildren, Jennifer Tillman of Charleston, SC; Gordon Tillman, Jr. of Chattanooga, TN.; Chelsea and Jamie Smith of Austin, TX; Kathryn, Erin and Travis Klokker of Boerne, TX; and Elisa and Ella Peña of Corpus Christi, TX. He is also survived by his sister, Martha (Pierre) Holloway of Naples, FL, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family especially thanks Dr. Praderio, Dr.Reese, Dr. Dugi and all the staff at Kenedy Manor Nursing Home and Exclusive Home Health and Hospice for care during his illness.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2010 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Cage-Mills Funeral Home, 4901 Everhart Rd. Graveside funeral services will be held Monday, December 6, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Trinity Lutheran Preschool or the Music Program at Trinity Lutheran Church, 808 Louisiana, Corpus Christi, TX 78404.
Gordy & family, please receive my deepest words of sympathy… I know that some will say that your father lived a long, happy and productive life…but in the end, it still hurts to loose one’s dad, for we are forever their child and he someone that we looked up to… Suzanne & Jade xxx
I am related to your mother Harriet Tillman. My mother (Megan Pritchard) from North Wales was her second cousin. I wish to send our family’s sympathy in the loss of your father Ernie. My mother Megan also passed away on January 18th 2011. She was 90 years old. I have tried to contact Christy but I think that she has moved house? Please pass on my regards to your mother and family. Elwen Owen
Dear Suzanne and Elwen,
Thank you both for the kind words. Elwen I will email you with updated contact info for everyone.
–gordon