Gary was born November 30, 1951, the son of Melvin Tulle and Phyllis Boaz. He married Teresa Reeder on March 14, 1975. She survives.
Also surviving are their daughter, Rachel (Nathan) Best of Green Valley; two grandchildren, Hannah and Abigail, both of Green Valley; his mother, Phyllis Boaz of Normal; a brother, Greg Tulle of Kappa; two sisters, Gail Lopez of Cape Coral, Florida; and Gina (Gene) Meece of Bloomington; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father.
Gary graduated from Normal Community High School. He worked in sales at NAPA Auto Parts in Bloomington for over 40 years. He enjoyed going fishing at Dawson Lake and camping at Weldon Springs with his wife and daughter as she was growing up. He also enjoyed visiting with his coffee group at Target for many years and loved being with family and friends – playing cards and going out to eat. Gary and Teresa visited Branson, MO together many times over the years and enjoyed the shows, shopping, and restaurants. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and taking them to Branson as well. They have many wonderful memories.
Gary accepted Christ as his Savior on Easter Sunday 2018. The Lord provided the grace and strength he needed to face the hardships that come with cancer. He said he knew he was in a win-win situation because “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21.
A visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. Friday, September 7, 2018, at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington, IL. An additional visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018, at Valley Chapel, 5903 Chapel Road in Green Valley, IL. The memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. also at Valley Chapel. A private family burial will be held at a later date at Imhoff Cemetery, outside Congerville, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Chapel. Online condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.