On July 11, 1954, the Lord presented Florida Mae Tillman and Albert Ector with a precious son in Cincinnati, Ohio and ordained him to have a blessed life of love and warmth for, and to, all who would come to know him.  Alfred Lee Tillman, affectionately known as "Ricky Tisdale" or "Uncle Rick" to some, walked his path as a true man of God, as he touched the hearts of those he encountered throughout his life.  He impacted the lives of many family members and friends as he poured love, warmth, and comfort from his heart.  He also provided much support and encouragement.

He was blessed with an avid love for any sport from a tender age at Hoffman Elementary School, Sawyer Junior High, Withrow High School, as well as Courter Technical High School, where he also made many close, lifelong friendships before he graduated in the Class of 1972. Alfred participated, and excelled, in football, in baseball, and any other sport in which he participated.  But he was especially proud of his success as a high school wrestler.  He had zeal as a sports fan which, along with his enthusiastic participation, continued throughout his life.  He became an accomplished golfer and a skillful angler, as well as a coach of all things sports related.

Immediately upon graduating from high school, Alfred enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 24, 1972, and served a tour of duty in Alaska after boot camp.  He earned various commendations as a Specialist Four while he was at Fort Campbell, KY.  He received an honorable discharge on November 21, 1978 after his tour of duty and had developed such a particular fondness for Alaska that he briefly considered relocating there.

Alfred held only one official job upon returning to Cincinnati from his service in the Armed Forces, at W.R. Grace, for about 37 years, working his way up to production supervisor.  But he truly found the  time and inclination to become handyman, mentor, caregiver,  big brother, uncle, even father and grandfather, in the lives of many.  He unconditionally accepted those who needed his time in any capacity, where he provided an abundance of love, guidance, encouragement, and support.  "Uncle Ricky", "Big Bro", "Pops" , "Dad", "Grandad", etc., could always be counted on. Alfred especially valued his close relationships with his nephew, Clark Robinson III, Marilyn Crenshaw his cousin, Ron Milford, and his special love, Paulette Tarver among several others.

Although he did not father any biological children, Alfred was blessed to have two females he easily considered his daughters, namely, Gana and Enaka Crenshaw, who are the daughters of his good friend, Marilyn. These women doted on Alfred, making him know he was loved, needed and capable of providing all that a father could provide to daughters that had his heart. But they did not have him wrapped around their fingers, as did their respective daughters, Ashazia and Kanea, who he bragged on and spoiled as granddaughters.

The earthly journey of this extraordinary man ended, abruptly, on September 10, 2024. May we all honor and celebrate his presence in our lives with thankfulness and love.

Alfred is survived by: his sister, Dianne (Henry) Tillman- Robertson of Mishawaka, Indiana; his brother, Larry D. Tillman of Phenix City, Alabama; his daughters: Gana Crenshaw and Enaka (Absalom) Crenshaw both of Cincinnati, Ohio; his extended family, Carol (Willie) Dickerson of South Bend, Indiana, Clark (Melissa) Robinson III of Charlotte, North Carolina, Tracey (Derick) Buggs of Charlotte, North Carolina, Tyrone (Tonya) Robinson of South Bend, Indiana, Edna L. Williams of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mark Demetrius Hale of Cincinnati, Ohio, Tracey Hale of Washington, DC and Jeffery Reed of Louisville, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Florida Mae Tillman nee Floyd of Cincinnati, Ohio; father, of Birmingham, Alabama, brother, Fred J. Tillman of Cincinnati, Ohio; sister, Eulean Robinson (Clark Jr) of South Bend, Indiana, sister: Mary Jo Hale (Bernard) of Cincinnati, Ohio and brother, Richard A. Crooks of Cincinnati, Ohio.