JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jeryl Tuten passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday, June 30, 2025, at his home in Jacksonville, Fla. He was 79 years old.
Tuten was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Louise Tuten of Waycross, and by three brothersi n-law, Paul Hanson of Jacksonville, and Tommy Gray and Maurice Gray of Waycross.
Tuten is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Donna Gray Tuten; his two children, Jay and Holly; his daughter-inlaw, Courtney Harris Tuten; and his grandsons, Gray and Connor, who brought him endless joy. He is also survived by his sister, Gloria Hanson, and by his loyal cat, Dooley Dawg, who never left his side. Tuten is also remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends — many of whom he considered family. He was deeply loved and will be remembered for his sharp wit, warm heart, and adventurous spirit.
A proud University of Georgia Bulldog, Tuten was a graduate of the University of Georgia and a lifelong fan of the Dawgs. He had a passion for flying and travel that shaped much of his life — earning his pilot's license at 17 years old and eventually visiting every continent on earth except Antarctica.
After a successful career with Amoco Oil Company, he and Donna combined their love of travel into a business, founding Worldwide Journeys, a travel agency that helped others explore the world as they had.
Tuten was a proud member of the “Grateful Undead,” a close-knit cardio- rehab group formed by survivors of serious heart disease, whose bond extended far beyond the hospital walls. He also had a deep appreciation for nature. He loved orchids and spent countless hours enjoying the serene view of the Intracoastal Waterway behind his home.
Tuten’s sense of humor was one of his defining traits. His favorite running joke was that he was “6 feet 10 inches on the weight chart and getting taller all the time.” His laughter and storytelling could light up any room, and his friendships spanned decades and miles.
He will be remembered as an accomplished man, a devoted husband and father, a loving grandfather, and a true original who embraced life with humor and curiosity.
A funeral service was held Thursday, July 3 at Music Funeral Home. Burial followed at Oakland Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Jacksonville Bulldog Club Scholarship Fund. Checks can be made out to: Jacksonville Bulldog Alumni Scholarships, P.O. Box 16363, Jacksonville, 32245.
