| Hughes, Arkansas School Faculty Memorial |
| Dr. Rodney Virgil Tillman August 6, 1922 - July 9, 2013 Math-Science Tenure: 1946-? |
| Born Aug. 6, 1922 in Okolona, Arkansas into the Willis Crawford family, the year 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.” After the adoption, his name was changed to Tillman. 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, D.C. 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, 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. A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Aug. 6, 2013 in Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Caruth-Hale Funeral home had charge. |
