Herman Tullock

Born on March 19, 1935, in Festus, Missouri, Herman was the beloved son of the late Ferdinand Louis Tullock, Sr., and Henrietta (Smith) Tullock. He was one of five children, each born two years apart, and grew up during the tail end of the Great Depression. The Tullock family shared a loving home in a closeknit, proud African American community in Festus—a twin city of Crystal City, Missouri—both nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River.

Herman attended Douglas High School, where he enjoyed playing baseball. Soon after graduating, he followed in the footsteps of his brother, Ferdinand “Sunny” Louis Tullock, Jr., by enlisting in the United States Air Force (1954–1958). He later re-enlisted in the United States Army, faithfully serving his country until 1976.

During his military years, while out one evening at The Palace, a popular club in downtown Boston, Herman met the love of his life, Mary Johnson. Their connection was instant. While stationed in Quincy, Massachusetts, they began dating, and on April 13, 1964, they stood before God and became husband and wife. Together, they shared a loving 60-year marriage, blessed with one son, Herman Tullock, Jr. (affectionately known as “Junior”).

As a military family, Herman’s service led them across the world and the country, including deployments to Germany and relocations to Hawaii, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Maine. In 1976, as retirement

approached, Herman and his family settled in Newport News, Virginia, where they joined First Baptist Church of Denbigh. He later worked in civil service at Fort Eustis, retiring in 1998 after a life of dedication and hard work.

In 2017, Herman and Mary moved to Acworth, Georgia, where they shared a home filled with love and laughter with his devoted sister-in-law, Viola Baker (Johnson), his sister-in-law, Beatrice Brown, and

Viola’s daughters.

Herman was a quiet, humble man who enjoyed the simple things in life: his cars, sports, old-school music, and a cold beer. He and Mary faithfully watched television together, especially Judge Judy and Judge Mathis, a favorite pastime they shared until her final days.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Teana Tullock; his daughter-in-law, Patricia Tullock; three grandchildren Taliah Bell, Ramiah Ross, and Josiah Ross; his devoted sister-in-law and caregiver, Viola Baker (Johnson); his nephews, Walter Bland and Ferlondo Tullock; his nieces, Lena Bland and Sharlondo Tullock; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives, in-laws, and friends.

Herman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Tullock; his son, Herman Tullock, Jr., his daughter Leslie Ann Tullock; his parents, Ferdinand Louis Tullock, Sr., and Henrietta (Smith) Tullock; his brother, Ferdinand “Sunny” Louis Tullock, Jr.; and his sisters, Juanita Henderson, Edna Tullock-Manango, and Virginia Tullock-Gill.