Billy Dean Tutt
Billy Dean Tutt, Captain, USN Ret., died July 11, 2016.
He was born on July 7, 1937, in Jonesboro.
Billy spent 31 years in the active and reserve Navy with 20 decorations (made two-star admiral for 1 1/2 years). He also was a past owner of Tutt Advertising, Public Relations and Talent Agency.
During his years in radio and television, he was a host, DJ, renowned public speaker and served as vice president sales and operation of E. Anthoney & Sons, vice president sales and operation of Keynote Broadcasting, and vice president and general manager of North American Broadcasting in Massachusetts.
He was also heavily involved in charitable works: Chairman of the Greater Red Cross in Bristol County, Massachusetts; chairman American Cancer Crusade for counties in Massachusetts and Rhode Island; chairman of MS Fund Drive.; chairman of the Counties Campfire Girls; chairman of the Boy Scout Jamboree; chairman of the United Fund Drive; Past Governor of the Massachusetts Lions Clubs (District 33S); founded a Lions Hearing Institute in Massachusetts that dispenses free hearing aids and tests to the less fortunate; PAL and Adult League player coach in baseball, fast and slow pitch softball and basketball; chairman of Somerset, Massachusetts Republican Party and delegate to many state and national conventions.
His passion was golf. He won the Sports Illustrated Amateur World Championship in 1992, and the World Handicap Championship in 1992. He won the IRCC Golf Championship in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and its match play Championship in 2004. He earned 9 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal in the Senior Golf Olympics. He won over 15 golf tournaments and had 3 holes-in-one.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; sister Nancy (Bud) Reynolds; half-sister Carla (Clay); half-brother Jeff (Karen) Tutt; stepmother, Betty Tutt; stepson Michael (Sharon) Whiteside; three step-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister.
A celebration of his life was held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Indian Colony Club Chapel, where he was a past board member, 1936 Freedom Dr., Viera, Fla.
Memorials can be made to Vitas Healthcare, 4450 W. Eau Gallie Blvde, Suite 250, Melbourne, Fla. 32934.
This announcement is courtesy of Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro.