Johnny Ray "Big Daddy" Tunnell

A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Memory Chapel, with Mr. Dolan Davis officiating, immediately followed by a Funeral Service 11:00AM. Interment will be at Memory Hill Gardens, Garden of the Christus. Services are under the direction of Memory Chapel, a Dignity Memorial provider.

A lifetime resident of Tuscaloosa, Mr. Tunnell was born January 15, 1949. He worked as a Draftsman and retired from Jim Walter Resources after 37 years of service. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed spending time with family, especially when it involved cooking/grilling at family events and holidays. Mr. Tunnell traveled the United States supporting his sons and grandchildren in their sporting and school activities, as he never missed a single event he could possibly get to. An avid Hunter and outdoorsman, he was a faithful member at the Pole Bridge Hunting Club, where he excitedly spent a lifetime of hunting seasons with family and friends. “Big Daddy” loved good Gospel Music, and was passionate about family photography and ancestry

He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Gloria “Denise” Tunnell; Parents Rufus and Amy Lois Tunnell; twin Sister Wanda “Kay” Burton and younger Sister Katherine “Gayle” Tunnell.

He is survived by Sons Rusty (D’Lyn) Tunnell and Randy (Noelle) Tunnell both of Tuscaloosa; Grandchildren: John Cade, Brooks, Jillian, Bentley and Baylor Tunnell; Sister In Law Lyndall (Marty) Wilson of Cottondale; Niece Loren Elmore; Nephews Kyle (Amanda) Burton and Dr. Kent Burton.

Serving as Active Pallbearers will be: John Cade Tunnell, Brooks Tunnell, Kyle Burton, Kent Burton, Matt Sullivan, Joel Hatfield and Brian McAbee. The family wishes to recognize Jim and Donna Hayes, Mary Green, Dr. Elwin Crawford and the Physicians and Staff of UAB Hospital Bone Marrow Unit as Honorary Pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of West Alabama in honor of The Tunnell’s beloved cat “Summer” at: P.O. Box 70054, Tuscaloosa, AL 35407, or online at www.humanesocietyofwa.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemoryChapelFuneralHome.com for the Tunnell family.