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Captain Gary Louis Tillman

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J. Henry Stuhr Downtown Chapel

232 Calhoun Street

Charleston, South Carolina

Gary Tillman Obituary

Captain Gary Louis Tillman CHARLESTON - Captain Gary Louis Tillman, 60, husband of Debra Burnup Tillman, of Charleston, SC passed away on the morning of Wednesday, November 2, 2011. The relatives and friends of Captain and Mrs. Gary Louis Tillman are invited to attend his funeral services Friday, November 4, 2011 at 11:00 am in Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL Thursday between 5:00 and 7:00pm. Gary was born April 26, 1951 in Charleston, SC, the son of John Roy Tillman, Jr. and Mary Blackman Tillman. He received his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice at Trident Technical College and retired after 38 years of service from the Charleston City Police Department. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5, the SC Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Exchange Club of Charleston and the James Island Optimist Club. Gary also served in the US Air Force Reserve. He is survived by his wife Debbie of 31 years; one daughter: Michelle Elizabeth Tillman of Columbia, SC; one son: Kyle Louis Tillman (Tiffany), a granddaughter Kylie Michelle Tillman all of Charleston, SC; two brothers: Norman Milton Tillman, Sr. of Charleston, SC and Donald Earl Tillman, Sr. (Elaine) of Charleston, SC; one sister Bernice T. Walters (Tom) of Charleston, SC; sister-in-law: Kathy O. Tillman of Charleston, SC; 14 nieces and nephews. Gary is predeceased by two brothers: John Roy "Skip" Tillman, III and Fredrick Lee "Fred" Tillman, Sr. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 300 West Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 or to Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church, 754 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403, or to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5, 125 Macy Circle, Goose Creek, SC 29445. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Nov. 2 to Nov. 3, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Tillman

Not sure what to say?





November 13, 2011

Dear Debbie, Michelle and Kyle,
We have so many happy memories with your family from the good old days of youth hockey in North Charleston and travel hockey with our boys. I always thought of Gary as a really good man and person who loved his family. I am thankful for having had the pleasure of knowing him. Please know that if any of you should need us for anything, we are here for you - just call. You are in our thoughts. Gary will be missed by so many.

Frances Haselden

Lee Swafford

November 11, 2011

I had the pleasure of working with Gary at the beggining of my Law Enforcement career. I just retired after 30 years in police work. Working for Gary impacted my whole career. During those 30 years I found very few men that had the leadership qualities that Gary possessed. When I left Charsleston and returned to Michigan I had my stories about "Buff". His leadership style and care for those he commanded greatly impacted my life and I have tryed to emulate his style so that his leadership legacy lives on!

Jo and Eric Britton

November 6, 2011

Bernice and Tom,
We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Robert & Debbie Maguire

November 6, 2011

TO ALL THE TILLMAN FAMILY:
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. It had been many years since I last saw Capt. Tillman but by chance I ran into him and and had a chance to spend some time with him shortly before he retired not knowing it would be the last time I would see him until Thursday night at Sturs. The wonderful turn out by so many was a tribute to how much he was thought of by the many officers he worked with and the many frriends he had. He will be missed by so many.

Bill and Cindy Sistare

November 5, 2011

To the Tillman Family:
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry that we were unable to attend the visitation or service. We had a lot of respect and admiration for Capt. Tillman. May your happy memories give you strength through these difficult times. May God Bless You and uplift you.

Kathryn(kathy) Cox

November 5, 2011

Bernice and Tom and all the Tillman Family: I was so saddened to hear of Garys'passing...what a terrible loss for all of you. He was indeed a wonderful man and police officer and loved by all who knew him. May your memories stay near and dear to you in the days ahead knowing he is with our precious Lord for all eternity and rest assured he is well in his arms..I will continue to have you all in my prayers and hope your days ahead will be filled with the Love he held for all of you. God Bless
Kathy Cox and Family
Piggly Wiggly Northbridge (ret)

Alice Forshaw

November 5, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about Captain Tillman, My thoughts and prayers go to the Tillman family. Alice Forshaw (Horse Patrol CPD)

Barbara Majeske

November 5, 2011

We have lost a great man. He was a son,husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, police officer, supervisor, mentor, & that is only just a few of the important roles that he went above & beyond in holding. Take care Deb, Michelle, & Kyle. You are in my thoughts & prayers.

L.G. Faircloth

November 4, 2011

One of the finest people I've ever met. One of the best police officers I've known. One of my best friends. I'll miss you, Buddy.
L.G. Faircloth, SLED, Senior Agent Retired

Tim Reed

November 4, 2011

Fair winds following seas,God Speed Detective Mickey Reed (Ret) Timothy Reed

Sgt. Angie Stephens

November 4, 2011

capt. tillman was a wonderful officer and a great man. I worked with him on occasion at the department and he was always a joy to be around. the family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. he will be missed.

November 4, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I remember Gary fondly and have great memories of a vacation trip to Florida that we took along with several other co-workers in an RV in the late 70's. May God bless and keep you in your time of grief and need.

Ray P. Gooch, Atlanta, TX

Michael & Sherri Dangerfield

November 4, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss. Gary's family are in our thoughts and prayers.

November 4, 2011

Gary was a great man that will be missed by all. We know how difficult this time can be. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy Sykes (Pickle) and the girls

Joyce Asbelle

November 4, 2011

I am very sorry for your loss. Captain Tillman was a fine Officer and a Gentleman.

Sherry Marler Rabon

November 4, 2011

Debbie,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all!! Hope you find comfort in the many happy memories you have of Gary and in the knowledge that you will see him again one day!

Cathy & Jennifer Hyatt

November 4, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Amy (Shirley) & Norman Fine

November 3, 2011

Tillman Family, I was so sorry To hear about Gary, even though over the years our families haven't gathered as much as they used to I still have fond memories of your whole family. Gary always meant so much to our family including my Grandmother (SUDIE) he will never be forgotten and will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

November 3, 2011

Milton,
We are so sorry for the loss of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
kathy and Jimmy Tindal

November 3, 2011

Bernice and Tommy,
We are so sorry for your loss. Gary will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kathy and Jimmy Tindal

November 3, 2011

Donald and Elaine,
We are so sorry for the loss of your brother who was respected by so many. Thank you for allowing Jimmy and me to go through Gary's journey with you. We have so much respect for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you.
Kathy and Jimmy Tindal

November 3, 2011

Debbie and family,
We're so sorry for your loss. Jimmy and I have been talking with Donald and Elaine keeping up with his condition since September. If anyone had a direct ticket to heaven, it would be Gary Tillman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy and Jimmy Tindal

November 3, 2011

Captain Tillman was a friend and a great
police officer.
Our sympathy and best wishes to his family at this time
George & Sam Wilds

November 3, 2011

The Tillman Family,
I wish to extend my condolences from the entire Wright Family. Gary was a good friend and a great cop. I was privleged to work with him many times, even though we worked for different departments. I know he leaves a great void in the Tillman Family, but he has also left a huge void in the law enforcement community. May God rest his soul, he is surely going to a better place.
Raymond Wright & Family

John Bonanni

November 3, 2011

It was honor to know Captain Tillman; he was an exceptional officer who represented the Law Enforcement Community with great professionalism. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Tillman family.

Beverly Coaxum Gibbs

November 3, 2011

“For men are not cast off by the Lord forever.Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.” Lamentations 3:31-33

TO THE FAMILY -
I was very saddened to learn of Captain Tillman's passing. We both retired from CPD on the same day, congratulating and wishing each other an enjoyable retirement. I pray your many memories of him will strengthen, encourage and comfort you. God's Blessings.

Chicquetta Lee-Fullilove

November 3, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

MICHAEL THOMPSON

November 3, 2011

Captian Tillman was a true leader,and one that everyone looked up to. He will be missed greatly, it was honor to have worked for him and i am truly sorry for your loss. Debbie, you and your family are in our prayers - Mike and Joy Thompson

Tammy Solomon Conner

November 3, 2011

Debbie, Michelle, Kyle and the Tillman Family,
I was saddened to hear of Gary's passing after such a courageous fight. He was such a true friend to all and a true gentleman. We grew up together downtown and went to school together until his move to West Ashley. Everytime he, Debbie and I would run into each other it was just like we had seen each other just the day before instead of years. God bless you (Peasy) and your family. My love to all.

Harry Pierce

November 3, 2011

My God Bless and comfort all the Tillmans & family members in this time of sadness but know that Gary is safe in God's arms. Gary and I knew each other from high school through our years at CPD together. What a GREAT FRIEND AND FELLOW OFFICER. He will truely be missed here on earth but a great addition in heaven.
Ret. Sgt. Harry Pierce

Demetrius Pace

November 3, 2011

My thoughts, prayers, and sympathy go out to the Tillman Family during this
great time of sorrow. I hadn't seen Gary in many years but we spent many days growing up playing organized baseball on the Charleston playgrounds. He was a good guy who will be greatly missed.

Ret/Capt Ligure Ellington

November 3, 2011

To the Tillman Family: Gary was a fine, upstanding MAN IN BLUE, it was a joy working with him for years. May you find comfort in knowing that he is in a better place.

November 3, 2011

Tillman Family and CPD Brothers:

We are all sadden of the lost of one of CPD's greatest leaders, friend and fellow FOP brother. May God comfort and keep you during your time of sorrow. Sleep well my brother, we will see you on the other side.

Tom Fox, Conway, SC

Stacia Redman

November 3, 2011

Donald and Elaine
I am beyond words to express my Sympathies to your family. Gary and I went to RIvers High together. He was a wonderful person and an asset to the City of Charleston Police Department. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Stacia Redman and Ted Dudley

November 3, 2011

To the Tillman family,Harry and I send our most heartfelt sympathy.May the love of God be with you all through this most difficult time.Cherish your memories. Love,Linda and Harry Wertan

Bill Gunter

November 3, 2011

I had the pleasure of working with Gary and his dad, John. Gary carried his father's excellent law enforcement tradition to new heights. He was not only a brother in blue, he was a friend. He will be missed.

Jim Woods

November 2, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family and friends. Captain Gary was the type of officer we all strive to be. Job well done brother. Rest in peace.

Amanda Caputo

November 2, 2011

Michelle and family,
I am saddened to hear about the loss of your father. Mark and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and yours during this most difficult time. May God Bless and keep each one of you.

November 2, 2011

I'm sorry for your loss. You have my condolences. Ken Moser

Fred Bowie

November 2, 2011

We have lost a fine officer and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the Tillman family during these times.

Marshall Milligan

November 2, 2011

Tillman clan: My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I have many fond memories of Capt. Tillman from the James Island Optimist Club days ...

Tiffany Wrigley

November 2, 2011

Tillman Family,
Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

November 2, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with Debbie,Michelle,Kyle and the rest of the Tillman family. Captain Tillman was one of the best! It was an honour to have known and to have served with him.
May he rest in peace.
Ret/Sgt. Kevin McGowan

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