Mr. John Westley "Big John" Tillman

Mr. John Westley Tillman was born August 18, 1948 in Richland County, South Carolina. John was the son of the late Elder Willie Richardson Tillman, Sr. and Deaconess Sarah Boyd Tillman. John, affectionately called “Big John” , departed this earthly life on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 2:31 AM at William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. Education: John attended the public schools of Richland County School District I and later attended Midlands Technical College. Church: He was baptized August 3, 1980 at Trinity Baptist Church, where he served as a faithful member; as well as a devoted Trustee and member of the Male Choir. Career: He served his country honorably in the US Army from 1968-1972. He served during the Vietnam Conflict, where he was wounded in combat. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was employed for fifteen years as a mail handler and also an Equipment Operator with the United States Postal Service. Hobbies: He enjoyed taking pictures, playing cards and checkers. Another of his joys was watching comedy shows and he was an avid Cowboy and Gamecock football fan. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed company gatherings. Those left to cherish his legacy are: one son, Mr. John W. Tucker; a daughter, Ms. Johnetta W. Tucker both of Columbia, Sc; two beautiful granddaughters, Little Miss Melan N. Bickley and Little Miss Kaelyn Z. Scott; one grandson, Jontez Z. Jacobs; a brother, Deacon Willie James Tillman (Deaconess Deloris) of Goose Creek, SC; three sisters, Ms. Mamie L. Tillman of Columbia, SC;, Deaconess Martha B. Tillman and Ms. Mary L. Tillman both of Savannah, Georgia; and a host of nieces; nephews; cousins and many other loving relatives and caring friends all of whom will miss him dearly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Isaac Robert Tillman and two uncles, Spencer Tillman and James Tillman. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, October 31, 2014 at Trinity Baptist Church, with interment to follow in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-7:00 PM Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Palmer Memorial Chapel. The family request that condolences and memorials be made on their web page @www.palmermemorialchapel.com

Mr. John Westley "Big John" Tillman

August 18, 1948 - October 25, 2014