Raymond Evan Tillery

Raymond Evan Tillery, fondly known as Ray, was born on March 31, 1936 in Baltimore, MD to the union of Roland and Fannie Lue Tillery. He had two older brothers Roland “Junior” and Romeo and a younger brother Reggie. As a child, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was active in the choir. Raymond attended Baltimore City Schools, was tutored while he battled tuberculosis in the hospital and graduated from Dunbar High School in Baltimore, MD in 1956 where he was active in the United Nations, Junior Red Cross, and Yearbook as editor. He worked as a bus boy at country clubs while in high school. From 1958-1965, Raymond served as a summer program director and youth group worker for McKim Community Association, which recognized him for meritorious service. In 1962, Raymond earned a bachelor’s of science degree from Morgan College with a major in science education and minors in chemistry and physical sciences. He also completed some graduate work in physics and business administration at Morgan State College. From 1962-1964, he began teaching chemistry, physics and general science and coaching junior varsity basketball at Sollers Point Junior-Senior High School in Dundalk, Maryland. In 1964, he changed to a 26-year career with Western Electric, which later became AT&T and Lucent Technologies. He served as an engineering associate, installer, and ANSE-3 Technical Training Specialist in Cockeysville, Maryland from 1964-1973. Transitioning into management, he relocated to the Technical Training Center, in Dublin, Ohio where he served from 1973-1989 as a section chief, product training manager, department chief of technical training and a supervisor when he retired. A mentor to many, Raymond enjoyed fixing things, doing renovations, wood work, writing, poetry, and music. As child in the Cherry Hill section of Baltimore, MD, he met the love of his life, Lucille A. Webster. On November 3, 1962, they married. From their union, they had two children Raymond Evan Tillery, Jr. and Rochelle “Shelly” Lynn Tillery. While living in Woodlawn, Maryland, he remained active in the community, serving as the secretary – Browsers’ Social-Civic Association, Inc., president and treasurer – Can-Roy-Kin Neighborhood Association, a member of Board of Directors – McKim Community Association, and the commissioner of Little League Baseball Clinic – Woodlawn Recreation and Parks Council. In 1973, the family moved to Gahanna, Ohio, where he served as a member – New Democratic Coalition, a manager and Coach – Gahanna, Ohio Baseball and Football Leagues, a Cub Scout Master – Boy Scouts of America, the President – Gahanna Lincoln High School Black Parent Association, a board member – Heritage House Adult Day Care Center, and a Board Member – Columbus Community Services. More significantly, he became active at Second Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio where he served as an usher, a trustee and as the chairman of the trustee board. In 1977, he was initiated into the Mu Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. A life member 1621, he served in multiple leadership roles including keeper of finance, the chapter basileus/president and the 4th District Representative on the Supreme Council. Some of the recognition he received for his dedication and unselfish service to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity includes 1990 Mu Iota Chapter Omega Man of the Year, 4th District Scroll of Honors in 2000, 1990 Scroll of Honor Awards via Grand Basileus Moses C. Norman, Distinguished Service Award Mu Iota Chapter 1986-1988, Supreme Council Award 1992, National UNCF Committee Appreciation Award, and 2009 Mu Iota Chapter Founders Award. He is preceded in death by Roland Tillery, father; Fannie Lue Tillery, mother; Romeo Tillery, brother; and Raymond Evan Tillery, Jr., son. He is survived by Lucille A. Tillery, wife; Rochelle Tillery-Larkin Ford, daughter; Joycelyn Tillery, daughter-in-law; Reginald L. (Fabiola) Tillery, brother; Roland Tillery, Jr., brother; Michael Imani Tillery Larkin, grandson; Reginald E. Tillery, grandson; Reagan Tillery, grand-daughter; Malik Anthony Larkin, grandson; Rhema Tillery, grand-daughter; Raven Ford, grand-daughter; Ellen Baynard, sister-in-law; Sally (Donal) Hogan, sister-in-law; LaGrande Lewis (Edmund) Beckett, sister-in-law; Betty Thompson, sister-in-law; Joseph Webster, brother-in-law; Oscar (Patricia) Webster, brother-in-law; Larry (Scarmell) Webster, brother-in-law; and a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, fraternity brothers, mentees and many friends. Memorial Contributions on behalf of Raymond Tillery, may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, https://www.alz.org.