Redden Tuten Jr.
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On February 23, 2022 the life journey of Redden Tuten, Jr. ended after a valiant fight with various health issues over the past few years. Redden was the fifth of seven children to Redden Tuten, Sr. and Virie Crosby Tuten Crapse. Born in Furman, SC on June 16, 1939, grew up in Scotia, SC, and spent his life in Estill, SC.
After graduating from Estill High School in 1957, his first job was at the Winn Dixie Grocery store in Hampton, SC. Here he learned his life time trade as a grocer and butcher. There he also met and married Betty Peeples Tuten (Deceased). Married for twelve years, they had two children, Carol Lennis Tuten Oglesby and Mark Redden Tuten. In 1965, he purchased Long's Red and White Supermarket located in Estill, SC and eventually owned three supermarkets in Estill, Hampton, and Ridgeland. His career as a grocer ended in April 2021 with the closure of his store in Estill, SC.
Following the loss of Betty, he married Gloria Langford Knowles Tuten, who brought three children into the union, Tommie Ray Knowles, Jr., Tammy Knowles Ballard, and Grady Langford Knowles. Thaddeus Joseph Tuten was born in 1975. In 2006, Redden and Gloria also accepted custody of their great-grandson Seth Ian Garvin.
Redden was known as a gentleman, a groceryman, and an avid hunter, but his most treasured title was that of a Christian. He was known for his gentle and benevolent spirit, and his ability to teach the Bible and minister in quiet ways. He was baptized as a member into Robertville Baptist Church. Over the years, he and Gloria served in many different ministries across the area in the communities of Hampton, Estill, Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, and Savannah. He served as a teacher, lay speaker, Deacon, and Elder. He returned to Robertville Baptist Church, was licensed into the ministry in 2003, and served as the Pastor for eight years before giving up the Pastorate due to his health.
Redden was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Betty, sister Clotele Tuten Hadwin, brothers Reverend William Barney Tuten, Wilbur Preston Tuten, Reverend George Daniel Tuten, children Tommie Ray Knowles, Jr., Mark Redden Tuten, and grandchild Ashley Loren Knowles.
Redden leaves to cherish his memory, Gloria Langford Tuten, his loving wife and helpmate of 49 years, his children Lennis Tuten Oglesby (Mike), Tammy Knowles Ballard (Raymond), Grady Langford Knowles (Crystal), Thaddeus Joseph Tuten (Meredith), his sisters Irene Tuten Barker, Hattie Tuten Stanley, along with twelve grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
A private visitation will be held at 353 Tuten Blvd on February 26th from 4pm to 7pm.
Funeral Service will be held at Robertville Baptist Church on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 3:00pm with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Robertville Baptist Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 506, Estill, SC 29918