Frank was born on August 26, 1943, in Norfolk, Virginia, where he grew up with his loving mother Virginia, father Tillman, Sr., sister Joyce, and brothers Bill and Tillman, Jr. Family was very important to Frank. He and his siblings remained close friends their entire lives, even preferring to live near one another as adults with families of their own. Frank’s fondest childhood memories were of frequent visits with extended family from Elizabeth City and Oriental, North Carolina. Later, Frank looked forward to bringing his own family to weekly Sunday afternoon visits with his parents who stretched their dinners to feed anyone who showed up. Frank admired his parents’ generosity, even with limited financial means.
Frank was committed to providing for his family and often put others’ needs before his own. He frequently said, “Just like my parents, my kids mean everything to me,” and spoke with pride about his three children to anyone who would listen. Later, Frank enjoyed time with his grandchildren. When visiting, he often walked and read with them.
In his spare time, Frank enjoyed working in his yard. He took such care that neighbors often complimented his landscaping. He also played in a bowling league for many years. As a man of strong faith, Frank loved singing and playing spiritual music on the piano, and attending concerts.
Frank was a graduate of Norview High School, a veteran of the United States Air Force, and an award-winning 37-year Civil Service Computer Analyst for the United States Department of the Navy. He is survived by his two daughters, Michelle Brown and Theresa Gillis, son Mark Woodard, sons-in-law Bryan Brown and Chris Gillis, and grandchildren Cole and Connor Brown, and Joshua, Madelyn, and Allison Gillis.
