Lee Edward Tuten
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Lee Edward Tuten of Belvedere, aged 93, stepped into the Larger Life Monday, January 10, 2022 at his residence in Hammond Place Assisted Living Community.
Born on August 22, 1928, Lee grew up on the family farm in the low country of South Carolina, surrounded by siblings and cousins, aunts and uncles, parents and grandparents. He learned to drive at an early age as he helped with the farm work. He was quite gifted in math, but only mediocre in other subjects, and he dropped out of high school during his last year.
Always a hard worker, he drove dump trucks while still working on the farm. Later he was hired to work for Cyclone Fence, a move that began 30+ years of chain link fence erection, first working for others, then later going into business with his two brothers and two first cousins. That precipitated a move from Savannah to North Augusta, where he and his late wife Joline reared five children and lived for 60 years. During those years he was active in his Masonic lodge, in the Belvedere JCs, and in his church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School and Training Union teacher, and RA leader.
For many years Lee enjoyed deer hunting with his father, brothers, and friends. As his sons grew, he took them hunting as well. Besides the camaraderie, hunting afforded him another opportunity to provide for his family, as Joline knew numerous ways to prepare the venison. Lee also worked well with his father-in-law, an accomplished woodworker who made built-in cabinets and other furniture as the family home was expanded and renovated.
After their youngest child graduated from college and married, the couple felt called to the foreign mission field as auxiliary missionary associates. Their job was to assist and support full-time missionaries. Lee was very capable, very resourceful, and could pretty much figure out how to do anything. Together they proved invaluable wherever they served: Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Zambia, El Salvador, Israel. For over 20 years they served faithfully, receiving a small stipend and room and board, and made many friends among the missionaries and the nationals. Indeed, they celebrated their 80th birthdays on the mission field!
Lee was predeceased by his loving wife of 72 years, Joline Robinson Tuten; their elder daughter Robin Tuten Bohn, and brothers G. W. and Charles. He is survived by their other children: Twyla (Monte Steedley), Lee Jr. (Wendy), Timothy (Susan), and David (Helen); 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Both Lee and Joline stated often how blessed they have been. Their lives have been rich and full and graced by God due to their faithfulness to Him.
A celebration of life is planned on January 23 at 2 PM at First Baptist Church of North Augusta. The family will be receiving immediately after the service. Memorials may be made to Children's Learning Center Fund, First Baptist Church, North Augusta, SC.