CLINTON — Carl Gene Tillman, Sr. 74 of Clinton, beloved husband, father, and Gramps, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center.

Visitation was Wednesday at The Episcopal Church of the Creator in Clinton. Funeral services were Thursday at the church. Burial followed at Clinton Cemetery with Wright and Ferguson in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Tillman, a native of Copiah County, had lived in Edwards, Vicksburg and, for the last 20 years, Clinton. He was founder and president of Tillman Woodyard in Edwards, and for 40 years spent many happy hours working across the desk from his father, John; later with his brother Tommy; and finally with his son, Carl Jr. His career in wood purchasing started in the early ’60s in Raymond, and though he retired in 2000 due to poor health, his interest in the business never waned.

Mr. Tillman, one of six sons, was preceded in death by his parents, John and Trixye Tillman, and brothers Johnny, Clell, Luther, Earl and Tommy. 

Survivors include his wife, Debbe Amacker Tillman of Clinton; son, Carl G. Tillman Jr. (Scarlett) of Vicksburg; daughter, Dana Lamb (Dean) of Clinton; grandchildren Phillip Gardner (Anika) of Silver Springs, Md.; Lucas Gardner, Brent Stanley and Katy Jones (Chris) of Clinton; Joseph Tillman and Clare Tillman of Vicksburg, granddaughter-in-law Jennifer Gardner; great-grandchildren Dawson Davis, Cash Jones and Hannah Gardner of Clinton; sisters-in-law, Linda Tillman of Crystal Springs, Dean Mobley of Utica, Lorraine Tillman of LaPlace, La., Ann Wade Tillman of  Louisiana and Lanelle Tillman Woods of Crystal Springs; brothers-in-law, Bill McHann (Annette) of Flowood, Doug Amacker (Royce) of Clinton and Dempsey Amacker (Nancy) of Hattiesburg.

Carl’s sweet spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He accepted his challenges with grace and dignity, and a wonderful sense of humor.

The family sincerely thanks Drs. Thais Tonore, Alfredo Figueroa, William Grantham, and Carolyn Bigelow and Drs. Evans, Taylor, Rice and Rose for their loving and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stewpot Community Services Women’s and Children’s Ministries, 1008 Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39203, or The Episcopal Church of the Creator Outreach Fund, 1445 Clinton Raymond Road, Clinton, MS 39056