Chatham County, Siler City

Ernest F. Tillman, 86, of 920 West Sixth Street, Siler City died Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Chatham Hospital, Inc., Siler City. Mr. Tillman was born November 15, 1923, the son of Lawrence Hardin Tillman and Wanda (Boyd) Tillman.

Mr. Tillman was a native of Chatham County, a retired truck driver, having worked for Siler City Mills, Carolina Poultry and Gulf Oil. He had been owner-operator of Feedwell Cafe, ran a saw mill and was an avid NASCAR fan. Ernest loved to play golf, work in his garden and  was proud of his John Deere tractor. He was an honorary member of the Law Enforcement Association and was a member of Moon's Chapel Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years: Berta (Wilson) Tillman, two daughters: Becky T. Oliver and husband, Tommy of Gibsonville, NC, Linda T. Pleasants and husband, David of Greensboro, NC; and one son: Ernest Michael Tillman of Siler City, NC; two sisters: Alberta T. Reitzel of Port Orange, FL and Louise T. Cotner of Asheboro, NC and sister-in-law, Joan Tillman of Siler City, NC; four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Odell Tillman and granddaughter, Julie Ann Pleasants.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 6 to 8 pm at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC. A Celebration of Life will be Friday, March 12, 2010 at 11:00 am at Moon's Chapel Baptist Church, 175 Moon's Chapel Road, Siler City with Rev. Scott Faw officiating.

A special thank you to Dr. Mark Gwynne and Dr. James Davis, Chatham Hospital Nursing Staff who spoiled our Dad and  Hospice for their excellent care.

Memorials may be made to Moon's Chapel Baptist Church General Fund, 175 Moon's Chapel Road, Siler City, NC 27344 or to Hospice of UNC, PO Box 1077, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Offer on-line condolences to www.pughfuneralhome.com.