John Jerry Tillman's Obituary
John Jerry Tillman, lifelong resident of Mobile County, passed away on April 20, 2014, at the age of 74. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Eugene Tillman, Sr., and Mrs. Audie Lee Curry Tillman, one brother, Joseph Earl Tillman, Sr., and one sister, Loraine Tillman Salva. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mattie Lenora Finch Tillman, two brothers, Former Mobile County Sheriff, Jack (Debbie) Tillman, Eugene (Bonnie) Tillman, Jr., two sisters, Bonnie (Horace) Brightwell, Elnora Everett, two sons, Kenneth (Carmen) Tillman, John (Dana) Tillman, two daughters, Renita (Ronny) Gates, Lisa (Malcolm) Norred, 12 grandchildren, Crystal Dwan (Todd) Saucier, Whitney Gates (Jimmy Brewer), Shanna (Heath) Harville, Melissa (Bubba) Andrews, Justin (Jourdan) Tillman, Jared Tillman (USCG), Blake Tillman (USMC), Trent Tillman, Colton Tillman, Daniel Norred, Mallory (Dustin) Smith, Madison Norred, 14 great grandchildren, Dane Saucier, Tyler Harville, Tucker Harville, Conner Andrews, Madyanne Andrews, Buster Andrews, Hunter Tillman, Bella Tillman, Lexi Tillman, Leigha Tillman, Lilly Tillman, Luke Tillman, Brysen Norred, Khloe Smith, and many nephews and nieces. Jerry served in the United States Army from 1956-1961, before joining the City of Mobile Fire Department, where he retired after 33 years of service. Throughout his life, he trained and managed professional boxers, and promoted professional boxing in Mobile, and other cities, for 40 years. He was known worldwide by fight managers. He managed fighters such as, James Hughes, Robert Koon, and Floyd Williams, In addition, he promoted county shows with his two brothers, Joe and Jack Tillman, in Mobile, bringing in such acts as Waylon Jennings, Mel Tillis, Ray Stevens, Barbara Mandrell, Rex Allen, Jr., and many more. Jerry attended Oak Park Church of God, devoted his life to his wife and family, and was known for his cooking, especially his famous potato salad. Pall bearers will be his grandsons, Justin Tillman, Jared Tillman, Blake Tillman, Trent Tillman, Daniel Norred, and one great grandson, Tyler Harville. Honorary pall bearers will be Sheriff Sam Cochran, Lt. Paul Burch, Dep. David Williams, Chief Lorrne Parsons, Mark Barlow, Eddie Surrett, Robert Koon, Darrell Allen, Doug Farrell, Ray Hall, Paul Botter, Rev. Johny Botter, Larry Crawford, Rev. Glen Barnhill, Rev. Charles Barnhill, Johnny Hatcher, Gary Byrd, Eddie Scott, Bubba Foster, Georgie Pierce, Floyd Williams, Ralph Reese, Terry McLeod, Joe Hall, Joey Lambeth, Mike Lambeth, Randy Lambeth, Jerry Yawn, Cheffey Reyna, Retired City of Mobile Fire Department, Deputy Chief Ronnie Barrett, Deputy Chief Frankie Davis, District Chief Burt Chappel, and District Chief Melvin Stringfellow. The family requests any contributions be made in honor of Jerry Tillman to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida or USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. Visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 5 pm until 8 pm. Funeral service will be held from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home on Friday, April 25, 2014 at 12 noon. Interment will be in Serenity Memorial Gardens.
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