Eddie Lee Tutwiler, Sr. was born on October 25,1925 to Johnny and Annie (Jones) Tutwiler in Madison Parish, Louisiana. He received his formal education in the Mississippi school system. He served his country as a third-class aviation machinist and cook in the U.S. Navy. A veteran of World War II, he proudly served his country at Pearl Harbor.
After enlistment, Eddie was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Evelyn Bedford Tutwiler, on August 27, 1950. To this union were born two children, Brenda Daphne Grant and Eddie Lee Tutwiler, II. He was further blessed with three more sons and a daughter: Thomas (Olivia) Quinn of Michigan, Cal (Wanda) Stepter of Mississippi, and Corey and Eldora Love of Youngstown and Cincinnati respectively.
Anticipating the steel mill industry’s promise of greater prosperity, in 1954 Eddie and his identical twin Robert relocated their respective families from Chambers, Mississippi to Youngstown, Ohio. They successfully procured positions as crane operators and grievance committeemen at LTV, the former Youngstown Sheet and Tube Steel Mill. After nearly 25 years of diligent service, he and his twin retired together in 1983. A man of strong work ethics and multiple talents, Eddie attended mechanic school. In his leisure time, he was an avid car mechanic, repairing and restoring endless vehicles of family, friends, and strangers alike. He was also an all-around handyman – both inside and outside of the home – who took tremendous pleasure in helping others whenever and wherever needed. Even now, his wife Evelyn is often jestingly referred to as the “Queen” because she did very little housework. He unselfishly took it upon himself to ensure his family a pristine and orderly home. Among many other notable accomplishments, Eddie sang with The Evening Star Quartet of Mississippi and served as a deacon of The Oak Baptist Church of Youngstown. He truly loved God, his family, gospel music, and staying active. His favorite pastime was spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also found great solace and companionship in Niko, his granddaughter Brandy’s Yorkie Terrier.
On April 24, 2020 at the gracious age of 94, God called Mr. Eddie Lee Tutwiler, Sr. to eternal rest from his labor. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Annie (Shaw) Tutwiler. Eight brothers (Clarence, Johnny, David, Louis, Euclid, Joe, Charles, and his identical twin Robert), a stepbrother, Joe Plater, and seven sisters (Emma, Inez, Louise, Mary Bell, Helena, Bertha, and Josephine) also preceded him to glory. He leaves a surviving sister, Pastor Betty (Bishop William) Taylor and sisters-in-law, Loretta Tutwiler and Willie Plater – all of Youngstown, Ohio. Evelyn, his devoted wife of almost 70 years, will forever cherish and honor his memory – as also will his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of All Ohio Cremation & Burial Society of Cleveland, Ohio. Family and friends, who unfortunately cannot pay respect in person at this particular time, are encouraged to offer condolences, prayers, and support via phone, text, or e-mail. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family of the late EDDIE LEE TUTWILER, SR. acknowledges in advance, with sincere appreciation, each and every expression of comfort, kindness, and love evidenced at this time in thoughts and deeds.
Stacey Tutwiler-Grant-Mundy says
Words cannot begin to express just how much my Grandfather means to me. Thank you for a lifetime of love, your guidance, words of wisdom and support. I love and miss you dearly Grandpa Eddie L. Tutwiler.
#TutwilerStrong
Rochelle Lemon says
Praying for you and your family Stacey.
Jerrine King says
To the family my condolences to you. May the Lord continue to keep you in his loving arms. Mrs. Grant much love my favorite teacher!! Jerrine Donaldson-King
Sharon Green says
Sorry for your loss have you in my prayers
Shamica Mitchell-Patton says
Sending love and prayers to my Tutwiler family!
Tina and Randy Saunders says
We offer our heartfelt condolences to you all during this difficult time. We have heard many wonderful stories about this amazing man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6.
Dori Schreiner says
Stacey Mundy – My deepest sympathy on the passing of your grandfather. His obituary reveals an amazing man that lived a full, rich life. May we all strive to accomplish so much. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracy Holland says
Sending our love and prayers to my Tutwiler family. Drennola, Tracy and Benard. Y’all will always be in our heart 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Bonnie Perry says
Stacey – You are in my heart and prayers. I hope that you and your family find comfort and peace in all of the loving memories gifted to you by such a remarkable man.
Pilar Castro says
I know through Ashley what a remarkable man he was to his friends and family. His legacy will live through his grandchildren and their children. My most sincere condolences.
Pilar Castro
Robin Jackson says
Sending my condolences to the Tutwiler family . Wow when I say this man took real good care of my son Eddie 3rd . And no one folds clothes like you . Thank you for being that man in his life . As I sit here thinking back you was always busy doing something ,so I know you in heaven doing it all Rest In Peace I will always remember you and the things you and Mrs Tutwiler did to help me raise eddie3rd .
Yvette Cockrell says
Stacey, Sean and Family: With deepest sympathy for the loss of your grandfather, a prominent child of God. His presence was loving and accepting of each family member, friend and stranger, not because he had to be but because his soul was endless and he needed to be. Now he has been called home to rest with a heart filled with soo much love. Remember he is never gone, he will always be right beside you and your family through loving memories. I send you prayers, hugs and comfort through this difficult time.
Rhonda Warren says
I always thought of my Uncle Eddie as the Great Informer. He was very learned. I was proud of the fact that he was willing to share his knowledge with me. Uncle Eddie told stories that taught me values, events in history and about his personal experiences. These stories helped me to unite with different cultures. He also told me about the passions he and his twin brother my dad, Robert had for cars. They worked and owned several cars, Oldsmobiles, Lincolns, Buicks and Chevrolets throughout the years. I will continue your legacy by telling my grand and great-grands about your stories. Thank you Uncle for inspiring me. You and my Dad will always be the Cadillacs of my heart! Rest Easy, Love, Rhonda,