George Henry Tutt

Mr. George Henry Tutt, affectionately known by many as Joe Boy, was born on January 29, 1938, in Columbia County, Appling, Georgia, to the late Mr. Cleo C. Tutt and Mrs. Beatrice Cobb Tutt. On February 1, 2026, he peacefully transitioned back into the loving arms of his Savior, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, laughter, and unwavering love for family and community.

George received his early education in the Columbia County School System, later attending C.T. Walker Elementary School and proudly graduated from Lucy C. Laney High School as a member of the Class of 1958, where he began developing the discipline and character that would define his life. He later continued his education at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, carrying the value of learning, leadership, and service throughout his life.

He was united in holy matrimony to his devoted wife, Addie Murphy Tutt, and together they shared 54 beautiful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and commitment. From this union were born two sons, George H. Tutt, II, and Brian J. Tutt (Sabrina), who were the pride and joy of his life. He was a loving and devoted grandfather to Brian Tutt, II and Brianna Tutt.

A proud patriot, George honorably served his country in the United States Army and the Army Reserve for six years. His dedication to service extended into education, where he served as a teacher in the Richmond County School System for 15 years, positively impacting countless students with wisdom, encouragement, and care.

George was a master barber for over 70 years, a profession he truly loved. He faithfully served soldiers and civilians at Fort Gordon Army Base, later becoming the proprietor of Tutt’s Barber Shop, a place that grew into a cornerstone of fellowship and community. In his later years, he continued his craft at Forrest Hills Barber Shop, working alongside his brother Preston Tutt and his dear friend, Perry Smith, the shop’s owner.

A man of deep and abiding faith, George was a faithful member and deacon at Friendship Baptist Church in Appling, Georgia, and later at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia. He was also a proud Mason, living by principles of integrity, brotherhood, and service.

George was a beloved jokester, always ready to tell or hear a good joke. He truly never met a stranger and possessed a warm, welcoming spirit that touched everyone he encountered. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing golf, trying his luck with the Georgia Lottery, and was well known for his culinary skills, taking great joy in cooking and sharing meals with family and friends.

His favorite scripture, Psalm 23, guided his life and sustained his faith: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…” This scripture continues to be a source of comfort, strength, and peace to all who loved him.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Cleo C. Tutt and Mrs. Beatrice Cobb Tutt; his brother, Tom Robert Tutt; and his sister, Brenda Gail Tutt.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted wife, Addie Murphy Tutt; his sons, George H. Tutt, II and Brian J. Tutt (Sabrina); his grandchildren, Brian Tutt, II and Brianna Tutt; his beloved siblings, Alma Tutt Jennings, Janie Tutt Johnson, Cleo Preston Tutt (Elizabeth), Susie Tutt Morris, Betty Tutt Dudley (Dennis), and Joyce Tutt Cherry (Lamar); his Goddaughter, Lisa Johnson Martin (David); his aunt, Marial Tutt; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Leonidus and Wilee Murphy, and Mary Stokes Murphy; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, devoted friends, loyal customers, and associates.

Having fought a good fight and finished his course, George Henry Tutt’s life speaks volumes through the faith he lived, the laughter he shared, the love he gave, and the countless lives he touched. May his memory be a blessing and his legacy live on in all who loved him.