Carlton Tillman

Carlton Tillman, also known as “Carl”, “Cot”, “Tee”, “Tillman”, was born on December 22, 1946, the cherished son of Gladys Tillman Mitchell and Albert Johnson, in Willacoochee, Georgia. He gained his heavenly wings on April 18, 2026. Carlton was a beacon of strength, dedication, and love to his family and friends.

His early years in Douglas, Georgia, were defined by laughter and a deep sense of fellowship with a close-knit circle of family and friends. He was a proud graduate of Carver High School. Carlton answered the call to serve his country shortly after graduation, being drafted into the United States Army.

A brave veteran of the Vietnam War, Carlton chose to make the Army his career, specializing in transportation and logistics. His service took him to various domestic bases and several bases in Germany. While in Germany, he married JoAnne Satchell.  This union was blessed with two children. His final Army assignment brought him to Fort Eustis Army base in Newport News, Virginia, and upon his retirement after 20 years of service, he made his permanent home in Williamsburg. Carlton then began a second successful career with the United States Postal Service, where he served his community for 20 years before retiring.

Carlton’s faith was his foundation; he joined the church at an early age.  He was an active and devoted member of St. John Baptist Church in Williamsburg, where he took great pride in serving as an usher and volunteering his time with the Meals on Wheels Ministry until his health declined.

Outside of his work and ministry, Carlton was a man of many passions. He enjoyed spending time outside fishing, tending to his yard, and ensuring his cars were clean. He was the neighborhood barber from his time in the Army, until recently, when he had a stroke. He was a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and a dedicated music lover with an extensive collection of vinyl albums gathered over decades. He was also a committed Prince Hall Mason, having been initiated into Prince Hall Lodge No. 140 in Frankfurt, Germany. 

Above all, Carlton’s heart belonged to his family. As a father, he led with purpose, instilling in his two sons the foundational values of faith, family, hard work, and the importance of education. He was affectionately called “Papa” by his grandchildren, and he lovingly called them “Papa’s Big Boy” or “Papa’s Big Girl”.  When he transitioned into the role of Papa, he embraced it with pure joy. He was a source of endless praise and perhaps a bit of well-earned spoiling. Whether sitting in his recliner or gathered around the kitchen table, he listened enthusiastically as they recounted the latest happenings and accomplishments in their lives. A visit to Papa’s house always meant wonderful food; he loved introducing everyone to his latest favorite restaurant, but he always started the day by cooking a hearty breakfast featuring the best grits ever.

Within his vibrant blended family, he had fifteen siblings. Carlton cherished his unique bond with each of his brothers and sisters. As the oldest sibling, he took his role seriously, always ready with a bit of advice for everyone, whether they had asked for it or not. He truly loved hosting family gatherings, finding his greatest happiness in a house full of loved ones. Though miles often separated them, Carlton bridged the distance with routine calls that kept everyone close. His boisterous laugh could fill any room, and his eyes truly danced with excitement during FaceTime calls as he shared in the latest family news. He remained a constant at family events and reunions, never thinking twice about the long drive from Virginia to Georgia or New Jersey to ensure he never missed a moment of connection.

Carlton was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Tillman Mitchell and Albert Johnson Sr., and his sister, Marion “Matt” Bailey.

His legacy of love is carried on by his children, Marcus Tillman (Donna) of Charlotte, NC, and Tyrone Tillman (Candise) of Stokesdale, NC; his siblings, Cheryl Brewington, Vivian Davis (Arthur), Antoinette “Faye” Godwin (Dickie), Trellis “Elaine” Hicks (Curtis), Linda Jackson, Catherine “Cat” Johnson, Leroy Johnson, Tyrone Johnson (Janice), Walter “WH” Johnson (Lois), Don Mitchell (Vivian), Kenneth “Kent” Mitchell, MaeDean Noble, Hassan “June” Abdur Rashid (Charlene), and Evelyn Wilkerson (George); his six grandchildren, Quandre, Sydney, Donovan, Gabrielle, Ashton, and Logan Tillman; his great-grandson, Leo Tillman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Carlton also leaves behind a "tribe" of lifelong Army buddies - Fred Allen (Simone), Herbert Gillis (Dee), Earl Terry (Carol), and Robert Hicks (Margaret) - whose bonds were forged in foreign lands and remained steadfast through decades of retirement. They became brothers and treated each other as such. More recently referred to as “The Cookout Crew”, this tight group of friends gathered for many holidays throughout the years to relax and reflect on days past, share family updates, and more importantly hold each other up through the trials and tribulations of life.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at St. John Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at noon.  Interment with full military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

As we gather to celebrate Carlton’s life, let us remember the verse from the book of Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Carlton’s light shone brightly in our lives, and his memory will continue to inspire us.  We encourage everyone to share memories, stories, and photos of Carlton on his memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a testament to the depth of his impact and the love he shared with us all.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011whitingsfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carlton Tillman, please visit our floral store.