Obituary of Tillman Gargis

Tillman M. Gargis passed away Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010.

He was born Jan. 23, 1938, in Tuscumbia, Ala., to Theo and Lynda Gargis. Tillman was the eighth of nine children. He grew up in north Alabama, excelling in sports, especially baseball. He went from high school straight to minor league baseball but that career was cut short by injury. He then returned to the Tri-Cities and married the love of his life, Patricia Rogers.

He spent his entire career working in the floor-covering industry, where he began his career as a forklift driver for Robbins Tile. He worked his way up through sales and eventually moved his family to Orlando, Fla., where he opened a wholesale floor-covering business in 1972. Even the last few years in retirement, he still had a few clients that he did work for.

Tillman was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 years, Pat.

He is survived by two daughters, Kim (Richard) and Deborah, both of Orlando; son, Brian (Laurie) of Miami Lakes, Fla.; and five loving grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Walter (Mildred) and Douglas; two sisters, Mildred (Hollis) Isbell and Shirley (William) Copeland; as well as a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Tillman lived life to the fullest and was a friend to all. His family would like to thank Cristi Vihlen with Hospice for her considerate and excellent care. We would also like to thank Sheila Wallington and Tiffany for the tender care they gave the entire family.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 6, at Delaney Street Baptist Church, 1919 Delaney Ave., Orlando, FL 32806. In lieu of flowers, Tillman requested memorials be made in his name to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.

Arrangements are being handled through Florida Funeral Home, Miami, Fla., (305) 325-1171.

	Tillman M. Gargis
	1938-2010

	Tillman M. Gargis passed away Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010. He was born Jan. 23, 1938, in Tuscumbia, Ala., to Theo and Lynda Gargis. Tillman was the eighth of nine children. He grew up in north Alabama, excelling in sports, especially baseball. He went from high school straight to minor league baseball but that career was cut short by injury. He then returned to the Tri-Cities and married the love of his life, Patricia Rogers. He spent his entire career working in the floor-covering industry, where he began his career as a forklift driver for Robbins Tile. He worked his way up through sales and eventually moved his family to Orlando, Fla., where he opened a wholesale floor-covering business in 1972. Even the last few years in retirement, he still had a few clients that he did work for. Tillman was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 years, Pat. He is survived by two daughters, Kim (Richard) and Deborah, both of Orlando; son, Brian (Laurie) of Miami Lakes, Fla.; and five loving grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Walter (Mildred) and Douglas; two sisters, Mildred (Hollis) Isbell and Shirley (William) Copeland; as well as a host of other relatives and dear friends. Tillman lived life to the fullest and was a friend to all. His family would like to thank Cristi Vihlen with Hospice for her considerate and excellent care. We would also like to thank Sheila Wallington and Tiffany for the tender care they gave the entire family. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 6, at Delaney Street Baptist Church, 1919 Delaney Ave., Orlando, FL 32806. In lieu of flowers, Tillman requested memorials be made in his name to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. Arrangements are being handled through Florida Funeral Home, Miami, Fla., (305) 325-1171.
	Tributes from Friends:
	March 05, 2010 My sincere condolences to Tillman's family and friends. As the funeral notice stated, "Tillman lived life to the fullest and was a friend to all." That's the Tillman that I knew and loved. His bright smile and charming wit will be missed. Tillman, I look forward to seeing you on the other side! God bless. ~ Keva Ambre, Orlando, Florida March 03, 2010 Condolences to the family and all of Tillman's friends. His departing leaves a hole in my heart. He was a good running back! It has been a few years since I saw him at a reunion. ~ Buck Locke, Winchester, Massachusetts March 02, 2010 Our sympathy to the family. It was a honor to know him, Just a real good guy, he will be missed. ~ The Tobin's, Orlando, Florida March 01, 2010 What a great family..we will always remember the wonderful times living next door to Tillman and Prissy..years have gone ..but not memories. Nashville,Tn. Linda and Winston Biggs and family ~ Winston Biggs, Nashville, Tennessee February 28, 2010 My sympathy to the family of Tillman. I was his hair stylist for 30 years. I will miss him. Dee Christakos ~ Dee Christakos, Orlando, Florida February 28, 2010 Condolences from your Hiwassee friends. We had such good times with Tillman and Prissy when we were across the street neighbors. Great friends who will be missed. Our prayers go out to the family. Bob and Marion Gossett Clarksville, Tn. ~ Bob and Marion gossett, Clarksville, Tennessee February 28, 2010 My prayers are with you and the entire Gargis family. ~ Carol Gargis Parton, Little Rock, Arkansas \| February 28, 2010 My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. ~ Lynn Gargis, Hot Springs, Arkansas \| February 28, 2010 We have many fond memories of a lot of good times together. Our deepest sympathy to the Gargis family. ~ Class of 1956 Sheffield High School, Sheffield, AL February 28, 2010 Though there’s little that friends can say or do, may the unspoken words of caring and the silent prayers that come from within the heart give you strength and peace. ~ Sandra & Neil Morris, Tuscumbia, AL