Charles Louis
Edward Tillery, age 93, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2014, in Austin, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born July 13, 1920, in Arlington, Texas to Louis Edgar Tillery and Mary McKnight. Following graduation from Arlington High School in 1937, he attended North Texas Agricultural College. Later transferring to The University of Texas at Austin, he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1941.
Charles proudly served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in France and Germany. He displayed love for his country until the end. He married Laura Pauline Guerry on November 17, 1943. Before and after World War II, he attended Harvard Graduate School of Business receiving his Master of Business Administration in 1947.
Charles started working for Sears Roebuck executive management in 1947, and never left Sears until his retirement in 1980. During this time, Charles held management positions in Oklahoma City, Waco, Albuquerque, and Arlington. From 1959-1980, Charles was Store Manager in Baytown, Texas. During this tenure, Charles was dedicated to volunteer community service in Baytown. He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club, President of Baytown YMCA, President of Community Chest, President of Robert E. Lee Chapter of the American Field Service, and President of Grace United Methodist Church Board of Stewards. In addition he was a member of the San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Board, Board of Harris County Savings and Loan, Board of Empire Savings and Loan, and Board of Houston Diabetes Association. After his retirement, Charles continued to use his management skills from 1984-1996, as the Limited Partner of Sally Tillery, Ltd., his daughter's speciality gift shop in Houston.
Charles was devoted to Paula, his wife of 54 years, until her death in September 1997. He moved to Austin, Texas in 2010 to reside at Longhorn Village where he met a new family of amazing, loving friends. Charles was an avid University of Texas supporter and fan. He loved all sports; he loved duplicate bridge receiving his Life Master Certificate; but, most of all, he loved family and friends. Charles taught "by example"--he lived his life with integrity, honesty, fairness, and dignity. He was a man of high morals but kindness of heart. He held high expectations but was accepting and loving. He was a true Gentleman from "The Greatest Generation" and will be deeply missed. For all of us who knew him and loved him, we hope we can live up to his legacy.
Charles was preceded in his death by his sisters, Mary Louise Tillery and Edwina Jane Tillery. He is survived by his three daughters, Laura Madeline Krueger of Houston, Victoria Ann Hemphill of Austin, and Sally Tillery Foster of Houston; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Briggs and Mary Katherine Coffey; and three great-grandchildren, James Ross Coffey, Caroline Elizabeth Briggs, and Matthew James Briggs.
Family service will be held on Saturday, June 28, at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth ,Texas, at 2p.m. "Celebration" of his life will be held at Longhorn Village, Austin, Texas, at 4p.m. on Sunday, July 13 --Charles' birthday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
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