A SENATE RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of jerry wayne tillman, former member of the general assembly.
Whereas, Jerry Wayne Tillman was born October 10, 1940, in Chatham County, to Leonard Tillman and Delcie Duncan Tillman; and
Whereas, Jerry Tillman graduated from Elon College (now Elon University) in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in Education and received a master's degree in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1969. During college, Jerry was an honorable mention All‑American college baseball player, who turned down an invitation to play for the Chicago White Sox so that he could finish his degree; and
Whereas, Jerry Tillman served as an educator in the Randolph County Schools, becoming a school principal at the age of 27 and later serving as Assistant Superintendent; and
Whereas, Jerry Tillman served with honor and distinction in the North Carolina State Senate from 2003 to 2020. While a member, he served on various committees, including Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources, Commerce, Judiciary, Program Evaluation, Rules and Operations of the Senate, Transportation, and Workforce and Economic Development. He served as the Chair of the Appropriations Committee on Education/Higher Education, Education/Higher Education Committee, and Finance Committee. He also served as the Republican Caucus Leader and Senate Majority Whip; and
Whereas, after retiring from the Senate, Jerry Tillman was appointed to the North Carolina Board of Transportation; and
Whereas, Jerry Tillman served his community in many ways and was active in the Archdale/Trinity Lions Club; and
Whereas, those close to Jerry Tillman knew he loved country music and that he could recite the lyrics and artists of most country songs. He was also a very religious man who enjoyed reading and quoting the Bible. He was a faithful member of Archdale Friends Meeting; and
Whereas, Jerry Tillman was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Marian McVey Tillman; his stepfather, Phillip Moore; and a brother, Eddie Tillman; and
Whereas, Jerry Tillman died on February 4, 2023, at the age of 82, and is survived by his children, Jeff Tillman, Patrick Tillman (Julie), Mary Elizabeth Barwick (Ryan); his grandchildren Melinda Burns (Jesse), Harrison, Emma Freda, Audrey, Sophia, Harper, Julia Ann, Tillman, and Marian; his brothers William Lane Tillman and Steve Moore (Becky); and his sister Yvonne (David); Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
SECTION 1.  The Senate wishes to express its highest appreciation of Jerry Wayne Tillman, former State Senator, as a citizen and public servant and extend its sympathy to his family for the loss of its distinguished member.
SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the family of Jerry Wayne Tillman.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.