Fred A. Tillman Jr.

Fred is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter Renée Smith (and Paul); granddaughter Naima Parsons (and Andy); siblings, Pearlie Tillman, Virgie Tillman Morton, Elizabeth Tillman, Jo Evelyn Burenstine, and Alexandra Jennings “Etmae.” He is preceded in death by so many: Parents Fred Sr. and Ethel Tillman, brother Dallas Tillman, sister Doreatha Tillman Levy, aunts and uncles, nieces, and nephews, first cousins (too many to list)–– Aunt Olivia “Big Auntie” and his beloved son Timothy.

On May 25, 1929, Fred was born in Cayuga, MS, to Fred and Ethel Tillman. He graduated from the Senior High School Division of Vallejo College in 1947. He volunteered for the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged in 1953. He resumed his education and graduated with honors from West Contra Costa Junior College with an Associate of Arts degree in 1954; from San Francisco State College, he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1956 and Master of Arts in Education in 1959. In 1974, Fred received his Doctor of Education in Public School Administration from Brigham Young University, Provo, UT.

Fred devoted 37 years to the service of the California public school system, having made a substantial contribution to the successful operation and the improvement of public education. From 1956 through 1992, Fred served the Oakland Unified School District and California State Department of Education in many positions as a public-school teacher, consultant, bureau chief, assistant director, and director of the Right to Read Program. He was an accomplished intellectual, golfer, and landscape gardener. The planting of flowers was one of his favorite pastimes, as can be seen by his prize roses. He was a generous and dedicated individual who loved God, family, and country and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was passionate about educating students. He will be greatly missed.

Left to mourn are his daughter Renée and Paul, grandchildren Naima and Andy, five sisters, one surviving uncle Benoit Hicks, brother-in-law Baron, nieces and nephews, friends made over years, and children who benefitted from his life work.

And Mary. Life partner for 70 years. Partners for eternity.

Fred’s funeral is scheduled for January 5, 2022, at 10:00 am, including rosary and mass. The family would like to thank the staff of Visiting Angels and caregivers, especially Rosemary, Josh, and Lynn, for their care and dedication to our loved one.