FILED SENATE
Jun 14, 2023
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
S.R. 753
SESSION 2023 PRINCIPAL CLERK
S D
SENATE SIMPLE RESOLUTION DRSR15354-LG-57A
Sponsors: Senators Craven, Berger, and Woodard (Primary Sponsors).
Referred
to:
1 A SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF JERRY WAYNE
2 TILLMAN, FORMER MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
3 Whereas, Jerry Wayne Tillman was born October 10, 1940, in Chatham County, to
4 Leonard Tillman and Delcie Duncan Tillman; and
5 Whereas, Jerry Tillman graduated from Elon College (now Elon University) in 1963
6 with a bachelor's degree in Education and received a master's degree in School Administration
7 from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1969. During college, Jerry was an
8 honorable mention All-American college baseball player, who turned down an invitation to play
9 for the Chicago White Sox so that he could finish his degree; and
10 Whereas, Jerry Tillman served as an educator in the Randolph County Schools,
11 becoming a school principal at the age of 27 and later serving as Assistant Superintendent; and
12 Whereas, Jerry Tillman served with honor and distinction in the North Carolina State
13 Senate from 2003 to 2020. While a member, he served on various committees, including
14 Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources, Commerce, Judiciary, Program Evaluation, Rules
15 and Operations of the Senate, Transportation, and Workforce and Economic Development. He
16 served as the Chair of the Appropriations Committee on Education/Higher Education,
17 Education/Higher Education Committee, and Finance Committee. He also served as the
18 Republican Caucus Leader and Senate Majority Whip; and
19 Whereas, after retiring from the Senate, Jerry Tillman was appointed to the North
20 Carolina Board of Transportation; and
21 Whereas, Jerry Tillman served his community in many ways and was active in the
22 Archdale/Trinity Lions Club; and
23 Whereas, those close to Jerry Tillman knew he loved country music and that he could
24 recite the lyrics and artists of most country songs. He was also a very religious man who enjoyed
25 reading and quoting the Bible. He was a faithful member of Archdale Friends Meeting; and
26 Whereas, Jerry Tillman was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Marian McVey
27 Tillman; his stepfather, Phillip Moore; and a brother, Eddie Tillman; and
28 Whereas, Jerry Tillman died on February 4, 2023, at the age of 82, and is survived by
29 his children, Jeff Tillman, Patrick Tillman (Julie), Mary Elizabeth Barwick (Ryan); his
30 grandchildren Melinda Burns (Jesse), Harrison, Emma Freda, Audrey, Sophia, Harper, Julia Ann,
31 Tillman, and Marian; his brothers William Lane Tillman and Steve Moore (Becky); and his sister
32 Yvonne (David); Now, therefore,
33 Be it resolved by the Senate:
34 SECTION 1. The Senate wishes to express its highest appreciation of Jerry Wayne
35 Tillman, former State Senator, as a citizen and public servant and extend its sympathy to his
36 family for the loss of its distinguished member.
*DRSR15354-LG-57A*
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2023
1 SECTION 2. The Principal Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the family
2 of Jerry Wayne Tillman.
3 SECTION 3. This resolution is effective upon adoption.
Page 2 DRSR15354-LG-57A