Donald Earle Tillman, Sr.

Donald Earle Tillman, Sr., 77, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

Born on April 13, 1948 in Charleston, SC was the son of the late Mary Tillman (Blackman) and John R. Tillman Jr..

Donald adored all things sports. When he was in high school, he was an all-star basketball player at Rivers High School. He was also a longtime youth sports coach at the James Island YMCA. Later on in life, his love for sports made him the ultimate sports fan—never missing his granddaughters’ volleyball games, golf matches, or dance recitals. In addition, Donald and his late wife, Elaine, were avid members of the James Island Optimist Club, giving back to their friends and community in any way they could. He had a special bond with animals, too; every dog he met adored him, and the feeling was mutual—his “grand-dogs” and neighborhood pups would run to him with tails wagging, knowing he always had treats ready. Donald had a gift for making people laugh, whether you were a close friend or just the local pharmacist. He was a natural storyteller, often sharing cherished memories of “The Hampton Park Gang,” basketball championships, and his years in the Air Force.

Donald is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Elaine Tillman, John Tillman Jr. (Father), Mary Tillman (Mother), John Tillman III (Brother), Norman Tillman (Brother), Frederick Tillman (Brother), Gary Tillman (Brother).

Donald is survived by Donald Tillman Jr. (Son), Matthew Tillman (Son), Bernice Walters (Sister), Mary Katherine Tillman (Daughter-in-Law), Erin Tillman, Katherine Tillman, and Anna Claire Tillman (Granddaughters).

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Road Charleston, SC 29412.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 1, 2025 at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Road Charleston, SC 29412. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-814-8494.