“Pre Stage”

Thomas Tillman was born October 19, 1962 to the late Samuel and Ann Tillman of Ruther Glen, Virginia. He was one of five children. Tom accepted christ at an early age. He attended Hanover County Public Schools, and was a graduate of Patrick Henry High School Class of 1982.

“Stage”

On September 26th, 1987 he married his high school sweetheart Stephanie, and from the union they had one daughter, Tracie. During his adult life Tom grew a passion for building and racing race cars, and from this passion he started his business Tom Tillman Race Cars (TTRC). If Tom wasn’t working in his garage on a car he was traveling up and down the east coast to different race tracks. It was normal for Tom to have multiple trailers in the driveway at any given moment. Only on the weekends would he allow his customers to start their cars because he knew the neighborhood kids would flock to the driveway and he didn’t want to interrupt school night routines. Tom eventually was able to convince Stephanie to allow Tracie to get into racing and he brought his daughter a Jr. Dragster and started showing her little things to help him with his business. It was normal to see the family of three at the race track with Stephanie and Tracie packing parachutes.

“The Yellow Light”

Later in his adult life Tom gained a second daughter Cleopatra EL. Cleo, as he loved to call her was Tracie’s best friend and they grew a bond together that could not be broken. On November 6, 2018 Tom became a grandfather, and his grandson was his world. When Tom could he liked to travel to North Caroline to see his grandson and spend weeks at a time with him, but most importantly spoil him as much as he could. Tom made it a priority when his beloved “Buddy-Ro” came to visit him that he would have a nursery set and ready to go. After a few visits Tom realized he didn’t like his grandson sleeping in his own room but better yet on the couch with him. He got caught a few times sneaking him out of the crib and bring him downstairs to sleep with him.

“The Green Light”

Tom peacefully passed away Friday, July 3rd, 2020. He was proceeded in death by his Wife, Stephanie Tillman, Mother; Ann Tillman, Father; Samuel C. Tillman, Brothers; Samuel F. Tillman and Kenneth Dabney, Nephew; Rodriques Mills, and Brother-in-law Lorenzo Latney. He leaves to cherish his memory, loving daughter, Tracie (Jonathan), Grandson; Josiah Hunt, Sister; Charlotte, Brother; James (Rena), Mother-in-law Joyce Latney, Sister-in-laws; Diane Latney and Cassandra Latney, God daughter; Alexis Dabney, God son; James Jackson, Family friends; Willette Joyner, Mr. and Mrs. Foxworth, and Roberta EL. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and racing family.