Deacon Robert Clemon “C.T.” Tillman Sr. (1894–1981) was a trailblazing African-American funeral director and a pillar of leadership in Monticello, Florida.
In 1931, alongside his devoted wife, Sevilla Burney Tillman, he established Tillman Funeral Home—the first Black-owned funeral establishment in Jefferson County. With unwavering commitment, the Tillmans expanded their services to Madison and Perry, Florida, meeting critical needs during a time when African-American families often faced barriers to dignified funeral care.
In addition to his entrepreneurial legacy, Deacon Tillman was a devoted servant of his community. As a deacon at Greater Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, he was widely respected for his humility and hands-on compassion—often transporting the deceased himself in the absence of local ambulance services. In 1965, he entrusted the day-to-day operations of the funeral home to his son, William “Spike” Tillman, ensuring the continuation of the family’s legacy of service.
Robert and Sevilla Tillman nurtured a family rooted in faith, education, and public service. Their children—William “Spike” Tillman, Clemon Tillman, Jr., Ephraim Tillman, Bessie Tillman Early, Almeda Tillman Montgomery, and Dr. Willie Ree Tillman Williams—carried forward the values instilled in them by their parents.
Today, Deacon Tillman’s enduring contributions to civil rights and community uplift are memorialized at the Florida Civil Rights Museum, where he is honored on the Wall of Distinction—a testament to a life of service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to his community.