Carl Alton Tillery

Born on January 10, 1935, in Dallas, Texas, Carl (Buster) Tillery rose from humble beginnings in the poorest neighborhoods of south Dallas to become a powerful and enduring force for social and economic justice. His life was defined by an unyielding work ethic, a fearless commitment to fairness, and an unwavering belief in the power of democracy to uplift working families.

Carl's professional journey began with the United Auto Workers (UAW), where he quickly distinguished himself by getting elected as local union president at age 23 and at age 27 when he was appointed one of the youngest International Representatives in the UAW. Over a remarkable 37-year career with the UAW, he became known as a tireless warrior for labor rights. By the time he retired, he held the distinction of being #1 in UAW staff seniority nationwide. His advocacy extended beyond the workplace—he believed deeply that lasting change came through civic engagement. As a passionate supporter of political candidates

who prioritized worker welfare, Carl served as a delegate to multiple Democratic National Conventions and played a pivotal role in electing Democratic officials at every level of government.

In addition to his union work, Carl was a savvy and determined businessman. He founded Tillery’s Carwash in Mesquite, Texas—a business he operated successfully for over five decades. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; driven by grit and vision, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by building and managing a thriving farming operation on an 800-acre property in west Texas. Despite his many public accomplishments, Carl’s greatest pride was his family. He often said that his proudest achievement was raising his three sons: Steve Tillery, former executive director of the Dallas County Democratic Party during its historic rise to prominence; Dale Tillery, former Texas State Representative and current Judge of the 134th Judicial District Court of Texas; and Carl Tillery, an attorney practicing in Dallas and surrounding counties.

Carl (Buster) Tillery is lovingly remembered by his sons and their wives: Steve and Bonnie Tillery; Dale and Melanie Tillery; Carl and Kim Tillery. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Derek Tillery and wife Katie; Meredith Tillery; M'Lynn Tillery Kohli and husband Luke; Macie Tillery; Brandon Luther and wife Taylor; Nikki Luther and wife Seanda; Joby Edwards and wife Katy; Sean Tillery and wife Krisanne; Jordan Lynne Tillery Young and husband Scott. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren: Noah Tillery-Gin; Harper Tillery; Hunter Tillery; Elias Kohli; Reese Luther; Ford Luther; Mack Luther; Wyatt Burchett; Lily Edwards; Beau Edwards; Mason Tillery; Cheyanne Tillery; Scoutt Young; Sandler Young; Jonah Young - who all affectionally called him P. Poppy. Carl (Buster) Tillery is also survived by his sister, Margaret “Susie” Fielding and her husband Jimmy in addition to many nieces, nephews, and his devoted friends, Union Brothers and Sisters.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 years, Barbara Tillery; his parents Carl and Joella Tillery; his brother Fred Tillery; sister Nancy Tillery Crow. Carl (Buster) Tillery was an avid baseball fan and loved attending baseball parks across the United States - from Boston's Fenway to the Chicago Cubs Wrigley Field to the Ball Park at Arlington and many others. One of his favorite activities was west coast swing dancing. He loved to travel and visited many states in the United Sates and particularly enjoyed Alaska, Hawaii, and Colorado.

Carl (Buster) Tillery was more than a father, grandfather, or great-grandfather—he was a devoted patriarch whose compassion ran deep. He was known for being both the most loyal friend one could ever have and the fiercest opponent when standing against injustice. A fearless union organizer during times of intense social unrest in the South, he never hesitated to put himself on the line for what he believed was right. His animosity toward bullies was matched only by his boundless empathy for those who were marginalized or vulnerable.

He awoke each day with purpose—to fight for fairness, to protect the vulnerable, to build opportunities where none existed before. His life’s work leaves behind not only a legacy of advocacy but also generations inspired by his courage, integrity, and love.

He always had a smile on his face, a song in his heart and everyone he met was a friend.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as a beacon for those who continue the fight for justice.

A visitation will be held at the UA Local 100 Training Center, located at 3200 I-30, Mesquite, Texas, 75150, on November 22, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on November 22, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm.

Interment will follow at Grove Hill Funeral Home, situated at 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, Texas, 75228, on November 22, 2025, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a tax deductible donation be made to: UA Local 100 Charitable Fund - a 501(c)(3) charitable trust in Carl Tillery's name to benefit the scholarship program. Mail donations to: Local 100, 3010 I-30, Mesquite, TX 75150.