Thomas McKey Tillman Jr.

Thomas McKey Tillman, Jr. peacefully passed away at his home on January 17, 2016. He was born on March 15, 1935 in Athens, GA to Louise Calhoun Phinizy Tillman and Thomas McKey Tillman, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Mary Katherine Tillman; his siblings, Elinor Tillman Terrell and Dr. Billups Phinizy Tillman (Regina) of Athens; his four children, Marjorie Tillman Sennett (Tomas) of Mill Valley, CA, Louise Phinizy Tillman of Flat Rock, NC, Thomas McKey Tillman, III of Marietta, GA, and Joseph Espy Tillman (Trish) of Athens; six nieces and nephews; and four grandchildren.

Mr. Tillman was a graduate of Baylor School, a boarding school in Chattanooga, TN, in 1953 and the University of Georgia in 1957. While attending UGA, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, of which he was elected President during his senior year; The Order of the Greek Horsemen, which honors outstanding contributions to the fraternity system; and the Gridiron Secret Society.

In 1961 Mr. Tillman founded First Investors Mortgage Co., which financed homes throughout Northeast Georgia, and served as its President until the 1992 sale of the company. He was a co-founder of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia and served as its President. In addition, Mr. Tillman developed several subdivisions in the Athens area including Crystal Hills, Brookstone, Chamberlin, and Overlook Lake.

Outside of his business and family activities, Mr. Tillman was passionate about the importance of an excellent primary education for children and the need for better options in this regard in Athens. In 1967 he co-founded Athens Academy, an independent, college preparatory school. He served on the school’s original Board of Trustees from 1967-1979 and chaired its first building and grounds committee. His appreciation for architecture and landscaping shaped his vision for developing the school’s Ivy Campus.

A graveside funeral service will be held at Oconee Hills Cemetery on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 11:00am followed by a reception at the nearby Sexton House.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Louise P. Tillman Endowment Fund for the Arts at Athens Academy, P.O. Box 6548, Athens, GA 30604.