Columbus "Dike" Tutt Jr.

Columbus "Dike" Tutt Jr., 91, of Luray, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

He was born May 3, 1933, on the Mudpike to the parents of Columbus Tutt Sr. and Florence Marie Bundy Tutt. He attended the Andrew Jackson School, now known as “The Rec,” in Luray, VA, from grade one to the eleventh grade. He worked with his father doing butchering and upholstery, where he perfected the trade and later opened up “Tutt’s Upholstery” in Edinburg, VA, from 1970-2002.

While driving home to Luray one evening, there were several girls sitting on a bridge in Markham, VA. Little did he know that one girl, who was the high school roommate of his sister, would later become his wife of 68 years. In 1953, Columbus was drafted into the Army and was discharged in 1955. He would marry Elaine Rita Coleman in 1956.

As a family man, Columbus was a deacon at Bethel Baptist serving his church community. Though he was a man of many trades, Columbus was best known for his upholstery. Columbus worked for Edinburg Motors for 32 years before being forced, at 84-years-old, to retire due to health concerns. He was a former president and member of the Ruritan Club of Luray, member of the American Legion and volunteer Little League Baseball coach. He spent his retirement days scrolling Social Media, watching the news and enjoying time with his wife, Elaine. 

To this union, they had 6 children. Surviving are his wife, Elaine Rita; his children, Angelia Faye Torres, Jennifer Dawn Thompson, Jeffrey Shawn Tutt and James Rinaldo Tutt; 6 grandchildren, Craig Lamont Tutt, Christopher Joseph Robinson, Garrett Tyler Thompson, Kendall Elaine Thompson, Hadley Rae Tutt and Jamilynn Rayne Tutt; one great-grandchild, J. Saul Columbus Robinson; his sister, Beatrice Hortense Bailey; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son, Columbus “Dikie Bo" Tutt III; and a daughter, Beatrice Elaine Tutt.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, at the Bethel Baptist Church in Luray by Pastor Stephanie Callwood. Burial will be in the Bundy/Tutt Cemetery in Luray.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, October 4, at Bradley Funeral Home.

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