Tillman Whitaker

George Tillman Whitaker, 90, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025.

Born June 2, 1935, in Cowan, Tennessee, Tillman was the son of William H. Whitaker and Dovie Bradford Bilas. Tillman graduated from Franklin County High School, enlisted and served in the United State Air Force, and then began a long career in the typesetting business. On December 21, 1963, Tillman married the love of his life, Betty Leming Whitaker, beginning a partnership spanning 62 years.

Over the years, Tillman loved laughing with family and friends and enjoyed such activities as fishing, woodworking, reading Zane Grey novels, strumming a guitar, playing Rook, eating homemade banana pudding, repairing cars and televisions, watching western movies, giving “thumps on the goozle” to his grandchildren, and listening to multiple Tennessee Volunteers sports broadcasts.

Tillman’s legacy will be his determination and resilience, his devotion to his wife, and his love of family. He is survived by his wife Betty; sons Chase Whitaker and Shea Whitaker; daughter Cara Bobinger (Chuck); grandchildren Hannah Wise (Mitchell), Taylor Whitaker (Stephanie), and Sydney Whitaker; great-granddaughters Eloise and Remi Wise; brother-in-law James Luther Leming; sisters-in-law Debbie Leming and Joyce Leming; eleven nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends who shared his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Audrey Maxwell.

A service to celebrate Tillman’s life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, plants, or meals, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Alive Hospice(alivehospice.org), Lupus Foundation of America (lupus.org), or Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org).