Rodney Virgil Tillman

On July 9, 2013, the South lost a true "Southern Gentleman", Dr. Rodney Virgil Tillman. When asked he used three words to describe himself; Father, Educator, and Antique Dealer. He frequently commented on the good life provided by two enjoyable careers in which he worked full time through his 85th birthday. He was born in Okolona, Arkansas on August 6, 1922, into the Willis Crawford family, the year of a widespread influenza epidemic that hit the Crawford family severely. When a doctor came to the house of Mrs. Blanche Stewart Tillman and told her that a baby must be moved or he "will probably die", she volunteered to help. Mrs. Crawford passed, and shortly after her death, Mr. Crawford gave the baby to Blanche and Edmond Tillman. To notarize the adoption they went to the local notary, the owner of the Dry Good and Feed, and the adoption was notarized on a Bill of Sale, "1 baby boy $3.00." After the adoption his name was changed to Tillman and Rodney always felt Blanche and Edmond were his parents. Dr. Rodney Tillman graduated Henderson State University in 1942 and earned his Master and Doctorate Degrees from Columbia University in New York. Upon graduation from Henderson he served in the 7th Calvary of the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946 and was again called to serve in the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1952. He was an educator for 34 years in Arkansas, Maryland, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Washington, DC. He was recognized as an outstanding educator by ‘Who's Who in America'. Dr. Tillman was consultant for the U.S. Office of Education, the World Bank, The Joint Council for Economic Educators, The Ministries of Education for Greece, Korea, and Iran. He was a sought after speaker at education conferences all over the world. After retiring as Dean of Education from George Washington University he moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas where he was able to pursue and share his love of antiques. Rodney and his wife Ann opened Tillman's Antiques and in 1982 he became an active member of the Arkansas Antique Dealers Association and the Hot Springs Antique Dealers Association. His warm personality and infectious smile greeted many visitors at Tillman's over the years. Truly a people person, he greatly enjoyed the personal connections and friends he made both in his educational and antique careers. He was active in many philanthropic organizations throughout his life and took great pleasure in giving back. In his later years he was interested in setting up charitable annuities for a broad variety of social and educational institutions. Dr. Rodney Tillman was predeased by his parents, Edmond and Blanche Tillman, siblings, Tazwell Tillman Powell and Howard Tillman, his wife of 52 years Ann Nickle Tillman, one son and daughter-in-law, Rodney ‘Nick' Tillman and Rebecca ‘Ann' McCombs Tillman, and a second wife of five years, Martha Hixson Tillman. He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Davis Tillman and Dr. Suellen Hales-Tillman, son and partner, Mark Tillman and Stockton Briggle, four granddaughters, Brittany, Madison and Alyna Tillman, and Haley Hixson-Fought and grandson, Allen Hixson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charities. When a great man dies, four years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.