Rev. Michael E. Tullos, age 72, passed away on August 19, 2019 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. A man of God, beloved by many, Michael was most often known simply as “Pastor.” As a young man, Pastor began his lifelong journey of ministering to others in his hometown of Camden, Arkansas. Over the years, he would go on to invest his heart, time, and generous spirit into the lives of people God placed in his path, both inside and outside of the church walls in Arkansas, as well as Missouri and Tennessee. One of Pastor’s greatest gifts was an ability to join hands with others, no matter where they might have been on their life’s journey. From loving and supporting missionaries across the globe to offering a simple word of encouragement or a listening ear, Pastor was a man who deeply loved serving others. He was honored to be invited into the lives of those he encountered and humbly walked alongside those God entrusted into his care through moments of great sorrow and into times of great joy. He knew firsthand of the hope to be found in Jesus, and spent his life shepherding hearts toward that same hope.
In 1967, Michael was joined in life and ministry by his beloved wife, Linda. Together, they served the Lord and spent many happy years building their life and family. One of their shared loves was time spent outdoors gardening and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation. Michael cherished being a husband and delighted in his time spent with Linda and eventually with their two children, Chris and Christy. Michael embraced fatherhood and especially loved time spent traveling together as a family. Later in life, Michael gained yet another name as he was blessed with two granddaughters; he became a very proud Poppi. He always eagerly anticipated time spent with McKenzie and Berkley. Much like his garden, Michael carefully tended to the hearts of his family and they are each left knowing how deeply they are loved by both him and by Jesus; of all the many seeds Michael planted in his lifetime, it was the growth of those planted within the hearts of his family that brought Michael his deepest joy.
Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Word and his father, Joe Tullos. He is survived by his wife, Linda, his daughter, Christy Chipps (Chris), his son, Chris Tullos (Libba) and his granddaughters, McKenzie and Berkley Tullos.
The family will receive friends at Memphis Funeral Home on Friday August 23, 2019 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Visitation on Saturday August 24, 2019 from 10-11 a.m. will precede the Celebration of Life at 11 am at First Assembly Memphis. Interment will follow at Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mid South Parkinson’s Foundation or the Foreign Missions Department at First Assembly Memphis.