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, Florida to Ernest and Katherine (Outlaw) Tillman. He grew up in Port Arthur, Texas and proudly served in the Marine Corps. Ernie met his wife, Harriet, while she was teaching in Port Arthur, Texas. After their marriage in 1957, they moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. He taught math and science in the Corpus Christi Independent School District for more that twenty-five 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 Steve Klokker.
Ernie is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Harriet Bowen Tillman; his children, Gordon (Michael Ann) Tillman of Humble, Texas, Christy (Steve) Klokker of Boerne, Texas, Marcus Tillman and Sherilyn (Bobby) Pena all of Corpus Christi, Texas. His grandchildren, Jennifer Tillman of Charleston, SC; Gordon Tillman, Jr. of Chattanooga, TN, Chelsea and Jamie Smith of Austin, Texas, Kathryn, Erin and Travis Klokker of Boerne, Texas, and Elisa and Ella Pena of Corpus Christi, Texas. He is also survived by his sister, Martha (Pierre) Holloway of Naples, Florida 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 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cage-Mills Funeral Directors, 4901 Everhart Road. A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Hill Memorial Park.
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, Texas 78404.
To offer your condolences visit us at: www.cage-mills.com
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