Known to family and friends from his younger years as "Manny" (a pet name given by his Mom because he was always her "little man"), Charles Tillman was beloved. His earlier years were spent working 10 - 12 hours a day building an auto detailing business and raising 3 children in the Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia area. After moving his family to Phoenix in 1980 for the health of one of his sons, Charles struggled to rebuild his business. He did rebuild and for the first time in his life took time for a hobby - a classic car enthusiast. He was an unusual sight in Phoenix, Arizona in the 1980's: a black man in a beautifully restored '55 Chevy BelAir 2 door hardtop. They were some of the happiest days of his life.

When the diagnosis of lung cancer came, Charles wanted no traditional treatment. Our journey to Mexico, seeking alternative treatment is a story in itself. Charles showed incredible strength. He bore the ravages of the illness with grace and dignity