Edwin R. Tillman, Sr. (98) and Catherine Grayson Tillman (93), both of Shelby, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at their home; Catherine on December 2, 2023 and Eddie on December 3, 2023. Both were born in Cleveland County, North Carolina. Their love is brightly shown through their 76 years of marriage and is eternally evident as they passed only 6 hours apart.

Eddie played basketball and football for Shelby High School and Gardner Webb University. He courageously served in the Army Air Force as a navigator during World War II. A true entrepreneur, he owned a chain of supermarkets which he would merge with Harris Teeter. He then opened a chain of dry cleaning businesses, as well as, built many homes in neighborhoods and commercial buildings. With an astounding work ethic he worked well into his nineties.

Catherine was the wind beneath her family's wings-working in the family businesses and being the cheerleader for all of her family's endeavors. She was truly a "Southern Lady". She will be remembered as the Christian anchor in the family. As evidence of her faith all prayer requests were given to her; everyone knew with confidence that she was their direct line to Jesus.

Edwin is preceded in death by his parents AW and Tessie Tillman, sister Doris T. Beam and brother in law Clyde Beam, and sister Roberta Tillman.

Catherine is preceded in death by her parents Forest and Mary Grayson and siblings Jack Grayson, Peggy G. Gantt, Pat G. Gorman, Ronnie Grayson, and Linda Noggle. Her surviving siblings, left to carry on her memory, are Roger and Catherine Grayson, Charlie Noggle, and Carol Grayson.

Eddie and Catherine are survived by their loving children Eddie Tillman, Jr. and wife Nancy, Terry T. McCartney and husband Skip McCartney. Cherishing their memory are also their grandchildren Ansley Martin and friend Willy Mayfield, Holly Hicks and husband Darrell Hicks, Emily Greer and husband Robert Greer, Reid Tillman and friend Brandy Addis. Also left to share their memory are great grandchildren CG Bivens, Marlee Bivens, Anna Greer, and Eva Greer.

A graveside service with military honors will be held Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at 2 PM at Kadesh United Methodist Church with Rev. Allen Davis officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service.

Memorials may be offered to Landmark Baptist Church: PO Box 489, Shelby NC, 28150

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com