Tillman H. Dickerson

Tillman Herbert Dickerson passed away on April 17, 2015. Tillman was 94 years young, born on January 10, 1921, on a farm in Speegleville, Texas, to Emma Sarah Mitchell and Francis Marion Dickerson. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Helen Marie Gibson and Francis Louise Dickerson. Tillman attended Boude Storey Junior High in Dallas, Texas where he still holds several athletic records. He graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas, Texas in 1940, where he starred in football, track and basketball. Tillman served in World War II as a proud member of the United States Marine Corps in the Aleutian Islands and in the South Pacific. He was a Drill Instructor, Advanced Infantry Instructor, and Advanced Anti-Aircraft Instructor at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. He was a member of the Fourth Division, 23rd Marines, and was part of the historic landing force on Iwo Jima, as well Saipan, Tinian and Roi Namur. At the end of World War II he was stationed on Maui in preparation for the Japan Invasion Force when the atomic bombs were dropped. Tillman was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1945, but he always remained a “gung ho” Marine to the core. He retired from the electrical supply business after a long and successful career including leading his own company for many years. Tillman was a founding member of St. Monica Catholic Church with key activities including initial fund raising, Head Usher at the Sunday 11 a.m. Mass for 62 years beginning in 1952, Knights of Columbus, and Senior Guide at St. Monica School.

Tillman will always be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, and friend. He embodied the Marine motto “Semper Fi” – always faithful, with dedication and loyalty to his co-workers, family, friends, and country. Tillman’s work ethic was unmatched starting from an early age when he worked in an ice vault (scoring and storing three hundred pound blocks of ice) and running an ice route. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He had a quick wit and a fantastic sense of humor. Most of all, his family will miss his wisdom; his sound, practical advice; his warm smile and loving touch.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Martha Ann Davidson Dickerson who he married while on leave during World War II and cherished for over 66 years of marriage. He is survived by his loving daughter Sharon Marie Dickerson of Dallas, Texas, his loving son Michael Craig Dickerson and his wife Theresa and four grandchildren Laura Michelle, Melissa Ann, Suzanne Marie and Christine Elizabeth, all of The Woodlands, Texas; his brother Paul Marion Dickerson of Waco, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude to his caregivers Darlene Johnson and Bobbie Pryor for their tireless devotion to Tillman during the past year and especially during his final illness. We would also like to thank the staff at Always Best Care and Faith Presbyterian Hospice for their care and concern during this difficult time.

Viewing and visitation will be held at Calvary Hill Funeral Home Sunday, April 19, 2015 from 4pm - 8pm with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2PM on Monday, April 20, in the North Mausoleum Chapel at Calvary Hill Cemetery. Interment will follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Monica School; Endowment Trust, 4140 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75220.