Merrick Kareem Tillman

Merrick Kareem Tillman was born December 13, 1972 in Glendale, Arizona to the late Obie and Marilyn Tillman. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Leo Tillman and Lizzie Powell; and Ezekiel and Ella Willis. Nephews Jonathan Scott and Kevin Phynon

Merrick started his Spiritual journey at a young at the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church being baptized by the Rev Steve Miller and his grandfather Deacon Ezekiel Willis. He was a member of Junior Usher Board and Choir. Merrick loved the lord and wasn’t afraid to let others know.

Merrick loved to learn new things, this was apparent in the many Degrees and Certificates he received during his educational journey:

Certificate of Completion: Culinary Arts, earned while in high school.

Certificate of Completion: Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy

Bachelor’s of Science: Biology and Chemistry

Bachelor: Cybersecurity with IT Networking

Masters Business Administration: Healthcare Management

Merrick used his skills he learned from. His education to assist family and friends. He was a great asset with answering questions and giving advice with the care of Grandmother Ella Willis when she was sick.

Merrick loved to travel, once he obtained his passport he was on the go. His favorite place he traveled to spoke of often was Dubai. I guess we can say he got his love for travel at an early age when he traveled and resided in Italy for 2 years when his father was on military assignment.

Merrick was full of life and kind hearted, he left an impression on everyone he met. Merrick didn’t met new people, he met always met his new friend.

One thing Merrick could do was eat, Merrick could tell you the best place to each everywhere he went. After moving to Texas, every time he would come to Arizona to visit he would make sure he always made time to go to his favorite Mexican food restaurant Carlos O’Brien for his crunchy tacos, refried beans and red chili burrito.

In 2023 Merrick had to have his leg amputated, and this slowed him down a little. He would have his good days and bad days, but he kept his faith and tackled this new chapter of his life, like the Champ he was.

In all of his endeavors with family, church, school and employment he was kind, caring and willing to share his many talents with others. Merrick will be greatly missed.

Merrick leaves to cherish his memory, his siblings William Lance Willis, Nathaniel Allen Tillman, Nichele Patrice Tillman and Janet Scott. His nephews Gary Rashaud Scott, Addison Maxwell Willis, Steven Ryan Willis and Treyvon Hashim Walton; and niece Mary Anna Haywood. Uncles, Aunts, cousins and other relatives and friends.