Roll Call Tribute

Walter Hugh Tillman, Sr. 

February 5, 1943 - March 2, 2024 

Dr. Walter Hugh Tillman, Sr. was born on February 5, 1943 in Troup, Texas. He was the fourth of six children born to Bishop B. and Verneda Tillman. He was affectionately referred to as “Little Brother” by his siblings since for the longest time, it appeared he was going to be the last boy in the family. When that reality changed, and a third son arrived on the scene, the family just decided that it was easier to just continue to call him that. So much so, that even his younger brother Frank and younger sister Mae referred to him as “Little Brother”! At a very early age it was clear that Walter had knack for exceling in school, with a particular affinity for Science and Mathematics. To the surprise of no one, he would go on to be named Valedictorian of his high school class, and continue his educational pursuits as a biology major at Prairie View A&M University, where he would earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, and continue his dream of becoming a physician. While attending Prairie View as an undergraduate student, he met, dated and fell in love with his college sweetheart Shirley Marie Hurd, of Longview, Texas. Upon graduating from Prairie View, they were soon married, and it became clear that Walter’s laid back, calm quiet demeanor, would be the perfect complement to Shirley’s outgoing, fun- loving, and gregarious persona. To this marriage one son was born, Walter Hugh Tillman, II. Their love, mutual support, and devotion for each other lasted over 57 years.

Walter’s journey in education took a turn though. Being unable to afford to attend either of the medical schools he was accepted to, he pivoted and the student became the teacher. Walter began his teaching career along with his wife, by accepting a job in Detroit, Michigan as a high school mathematics teacher. After experiencing several very cold and snowy winters in Michigan, they returned to Texas, where he continued his high school mathematics teaching career at McCallum High School in Austin, Texas. It didn’t take long for him to garner the respect and admiration of students and peers alike; so much so, that he was named “Teacher of the Year”.

As with everything in his life, Walter’s amazing faith in God always guided his decisions and direction for his family. A foundation of faith, that was rooted and grounded in God’s word, and the value of an education, were constant refrains for him growing up, and he continued to impart and display those values in his own family.

Being actively involved in church was always a vital part of Walter’s life, and coming from a singing family himself, it was no surprise that he, his wife Shirley, and their son Hugh, were all members of the Olivet Baptist Church Choir. Walter would regularly bless the congregation by leading a song with a depth of feeling that would bring you to tears. His service did not start and stop in the choir stand, as he served as Olivet’s Chairman of Deacons in 1999 and 2000. Walter was the consummate professional, and a great leader who continued his life as both teacher and pupil, by pursuing post Baccalaureate degrees. While working full-time at the Texas Education Agency, he would go on to earn both a Master’s Degree from Prairie View, and ultimately his Doctorate in Education from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. He would eventually end his career just as he started it, in education, but now on the administrative side at the Texas Education Agency as the agency’s Associate Deputy Commissioner, responsible for shaping policies and processes. Walter eventually retired from the Texas Education Agency after seventeen years of dedicated service.

While at Prairie View A&M, Walter began the process of becoming a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. His dream of being an Alpha Man was realized years later, when in the presence of his son, he was initiated into the Gamma Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated in 1992. Walter was a fiercely loyal and committed Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Uncle. Never one for a lot of fanfare, his calm, quiet and unassuming nature, was never to be confused for weakness. Family members and colleagues alike, knew beyond any shadow of any doubt, that if you needed sound, thoughtful, measured advice…no matter the subject, or if you just needed someone to get a prayer through, then you have the right guy!

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Marie Tillman, a Brother Bishop E. Tillman, and a Sister Helen Silmon. He is survived by his Son and his Wife, Walter Hugh Tillman, II and Karen V. Tillman, Grandchildren, Mitchel Grant Tillman, Christian and Faith Rogers, all of Missouri City, Texas, Sisters, Ora Adams of Houston, Texas, Mae Jones of Jacksonville, Texas, his Brother Frank Tillman and his wife, Linda Tillman of Troup, Texas. Walter also leaves behind a host of other nieces, nephews, family, friends and fraternity brothers to cherish him in memory.