HORNELL, NY-Lawrence L. (Larry) Tillman of Crosby Creek Road, Hornell, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday morning (October 5, 2015) at the age of 84 following a brief illness.
Larry was born in Penn Yan on July 4, 1931 and was the son of Derastus and Edith Pierce Tillman. He spent most of his youth growing up on the west side of Keuka Lake where he attended Hammondsport Central School. Following graduation, Larry worked at the Pleasant Valley Wine Company. In 1952, Larry was drafted and served with the United States Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict where he attained the rank of Corporal. Following his two years of active duty, he remained in the Marine Corp Reserves for another six years through 1960.
Upon completion of his tour of duty in the Marines, Larry moved to Hornell and attended Alfred State College for two years. He began working for the New York State Department of Transportation in 1955 and continued until his retirement in 1991, working as an Engineer-in-charge in the construction division. Much of Larry’s work on the roads and bridges of the Southern Tier can still be seen today. He is remembered by many for his great work ethic, his attention to detail, and the concern that he showed for the people with whom he worked. Further, Larry’s leadership and training served as a model for many other civil engineers in the Southern Tier, many of whom are now retired and others still in service.
On May 3, 1953, Larry married the former L. Gene Hunt, who passed away earlier this year on April 26th, one week shy of what would have been 63 years of marriage. Larry and Gene are survived by their three children; Richard (Mary Lea) Tillman of Metairie, La, Thomas (Holly) Tillman of Montoursville, Pa. and Cheryl (Eugene) Mastin of Hornell. Six grandchildren: Rachel (Matthew) Holcomb and Katie Myers of Williamsport, Pa; Jonathon (Janine) Tillman of Severna Park, Md., James and Jason Tillman of Metairie, La, and Nicole Mastin of Baltimore, Md. , and 10 great-grandchildren: Tyler, Ryley, Alex, and coEthan Holcomb, Aviel and Gabe Myers, and Jack, Jude, Julia, and Jocelyn Tillman. Also surviving is a sister, Florence Clark of Hammondsport, brothers-in law H. Wilbur (Clara) Hunt and W. Frank (Ann) Hunt, sister-in law Alice Dwyer, and several nieces and nephews.
Larry was predeceased by his parents, Derastus and Edith Pierce Tillman, sister Lucille Erway and her husband Glenn; brother Raymond Tillman and his wife Betty; brother-in-law Loren Clark; mother and father-in-law Howard and Ione Hunt; brother and sister-in-law Robert and Marilyn Hunt; and brother-in-law Michael Dwyer.
Larry’s favorite activities involved spending time with family, hunting and fishing, working in his lawn, serving at church, traveling, and following the Hornell Red Raiders in football. He was a member of the Hornell First Baptist church, a charter member of the Country Y’s Line Dancers and former member of the Country Couples Dance Group.
Calling hours will be on Thursday October 8th from 5-8 P.M.. at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, 285 Main Street, Hornell. Friends and family are invited to attend the funeral service at Hornell First Baptist Church, 28 Church Street, Hornell on Friday at 11 AM where Pastor Cedric Cooper will officiate. Interment will follow at Glenview Cemetery, Pulteney. NY.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to Hornell First Baptist Church, 28 Church St., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home and the church.
Online condolences or remembrances of Larry are welcomed at www.bishopand johnsonfuneralhome.com
