Tillman Howard, age 78 of Sanford, passed away on Wednesday (01/08/2020) at his home.  He was born in Lee County, son of the late Bobby Washington Howard and Stella Buchanan Howard.  He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Wilma Dot Howard, brother James Robert Howard, sister Laverne Seagroves and grandson Nicholas Shawn Ramsey.  Tillman was a graduate of Broadway High School, retired from Blossman Gas with over thirty years of service and was a tobacco farmer.  He was a member of Baptist Chapel Church where he served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir and was the cemetery sexton.  Funeral services will be conducted at 3pm Sunday at Baptist Chapel Church with Rev. Jerry Parsons and Rev. Alex Smith officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Surviving is his wife of 54 years Clara Black Howard of the home.  Daughter Julie Marie Howard of Sanford, NC; Sons, Robert Tillman Howard and wife Lisa of Sanford, NC and Martin Wayne Howard and wife Melinda of Sanford, NC.  Sisters Melba McNeill and husband Sammy of Broadway, NC, Linda Lou Patterson and husband Mike of Broadway, NC and Mary Sue Cameron and husband Rodney of Sanford, NC.  Grandchildren, Kamryn Howard, Karey Beth Reagan and husband David, Bailey Howard, Collin Howard, Logan Cuevas and husband Kenneth, Stephanie Thibodeaux and great grandson Nathaniel Shawn Cuevas.  The family will receive friends from 6-8pm Saturday evening at Baptist Chapel Church.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.