Joe Tuten, Jr

Joe H Tuten, Jr., died peacefully at his home in Varnville, SC on Sunday evening, April 7, 2013, with his sister by his side.

A native of New Orleans, La, Mr. Tuten was also raised in Biloxi and Jackson, Ms. He attended Biloxi High School and was a graduate of Provine High School, Jackson. He received a B.A. in Business from Mississippi College, Clinton, Ms and an M.B.A. from Tulane University in New Orleans, La.

Though his life career began in computer technology sales, his great love was cooking. He and his family owned the former LaRuth’s Restaurant in Jackson, Ms. Joe later owned the City Grill in New Orleans, La, Bartow’s Barbecue in Wiley, GA and the Scaly Grill in Scaly Mountain, NC.

Declining health relocated him to Varnville, SC, where he had the chance to spend time with his cousins Fred, Jr. and Henry Tuten. Joe was interim teacher of the Sunshine Sunday School class at Varnville First Baptist Church and was an active member of the church choir and the Hampton County Choral Society.

If there is one thing that can be said about his life, Joe lived it to the fullest. He had a brilliant mind and never left an opportunity unturned.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Dr Joe H and Ruth Jarrell Tuten of Jackson, Ms and his son, Joe H Tuten, III of High Point, NC.

He is survived by his sister, Jann Tuten, Brandon, MS; nephews David S. Furr, Jackson, MS and Dr. Joe C. Furr (Meghan), Ocean Springs, MS.; his friend, former wife and mother of his son, Jo Ann D. Hupperich, Terry, MS.; his former wife, Angela Tuten, Clayton, GA.; aunts and uncles: Thelma and James Tuten, Varnville, SC, Edith Tuten, Pooler, GA and Lorraine and Royce Jarrell, Metairie, LA and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Music Ministry Choir Robe Fund of Varnville First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 306, Varnville, SC 29944.

His family thanks Amedysis Hospice of Walterboro, SC for their exceptional care and support, and, specifically, thanks Mark and Jessie Hobson and Hank O’Banner of Varnville, for their tireless assistance to Joe’s physical needs; they made it possible for him to remain at home.

Graveside services will be held at Sandy Run Cemetery, Sandy Run Road, Varnville, SC at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

The family will be at the home of Annette and Henry Tuten, 40 Highland St., Varnville, SC.

ARRANGEMENTS BY: THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES, VARNVILLE-HAMPTON CHAPEL, 1074 Yemassee Highway, Varnville, 803.943.5016; www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.

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