Men and Their Chairs continued

Charles R. Perry, III

Hometown:  Hilton Head Island, SC (originally Winston-Salem, NC).
Career: Retired President and owner of Perry & Associates, a yearbook marketing and sales company. Founder of Perry Printing Company, a commercial printing company, serving the Island and the Lowcountry.
Married Patsy Poplin Perry for 58 years, widowed in November 2012
Four Children: Kim Perry Bowen; Reid Perry; Cheryl Perry Chandler and Alan Perry. Nine grandchildren
Words to live by: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.” —Luke 10:27
Favorite motto: Don’t worry, be happy, have a great day and a better tomorrow and cause God Joy!

Something about me that would surprise people is: I invented and got a patent for a product that was used to design yearbooks and magazines. It was the forerunner of what is now known as templates on the computer. I also owned a company that provided master antenna installations for large apartment complexes—also the forerunner of cable.
One thing I hope to see in my lifetime is…Peace and trust in God among all people and nations.
One of the craziest things I’ve ever done is: When I lived in Charlottesville, VA, a friend convinced me to buy 13 Black Angus cows and one Black Angus bull to keep the grass at a manageable level on 25 acres. I immediately found out I knew nothing about cows.
On any given Saturday, you can find me: Watching sports on television, eating lunch with my girlfriend, taking in a movie or attending an outside function.
Was your mom or dad most influential in your life? My Mother. She set the example for me to live by—trust in God. Treat everyone with love, kindness and respect. Work hard and be honest in all your dealings. Give of yourself to your church and your community. Enjoy yourself for God wants you to be happy and enjoy life.
My greatest achievement: I was one of the founders of the Island Recreation Center and served as the first chairman of the Parks and Recreation commission, which built Crossings Park.
What you should know about my chair: I have had many chairs. My mother gave me my first chair in 1954. It went through years of wear and tear, giving all who sat on it great comfort. My other favorite chair of 25 years was my blue leather lounge recliner. My present chair is wonderful and holds my large body with great care and affection—never once complaining. And, at certain times, I knew the chair talked to me, telling me it was time to take a nap.
If my chair could say something about me, it would say: Charles, why do you have to sit down so hard on me? Why are you always leaning to the left? Why talk so much watching TV? Why do you put your feet on me? With all said, I do like you and you seem to be a very happy person.
If I could offer one piece of advice it would be: Have faith, keep the faith and trust in God.

Keith Tillman

Hometown:  Toledo, Ohio
Career:  Controller for Forsythe Jewelers
Married 32 years to Sarah
Children:  Jack (24), Annie (19), Rachel (with Jesus)
My favorite words to live by are: Anything worth doing is worth doing well!
Something about me that would surprise people: I’m a shy guy.
I hope to see in my lifetime: The Holy Land, the Pyramids and the Great Barrier Reef.
One of the craziest things I’ve ever done: Bungee jump off a six story platform in Las Vegas.
On any given Saturday, you can find me: If I’m lucky, on the golf course; if I’m not, in the yard.
Was your mom or dad most influential in your life? Both. Dad taught me a good work ethic and Mom taught me what true love is.
My greatest achievement: Turning a failing company around to be profitable.
What you should know about my chair: My chair is one of financial management. I started as a junior accountant for Palmetto Dunes Resort and worked my way up to accounting manager in a year and a half. Then, I managed the then Rod Laver Tennis Center in Palmetto Dunes for seven years and became the Club Manager of the Palmetto Hall Golf Club. After 17 years with Greenwood Development, I left and joined my wife Sarah and started Sarah B. Tillman, CPA, an accounting firm, which helped small businesses with accounting, often teaching them to do it themselves. After the downturn in the economy in 2008 our accounting practice shifted to more of a tax firm and after a couple of years of that we needed to seek regular employment. I was approached to help Forsythe Jewelers transition after their controller left. I eventually took over as Controller and am very happy to be helping them grow as the premier jewelry store on Hilton Head Island.
If my chair could say something about me, it would tell you: He works hard and he plays hard!
If I could offer one piece of advice it would be: Love life, live life, choose to be happy and make a difference.