Wayne Tullos

Visitation starts at 10am and services at 11am: Arlington Baptist Church, July 26, Philadelphia, Mississippi. Please share memorial gifts with the church directly all to Melissa Clark, 16210 Road 602, Philadelphia, MS 39350.

With hearts full of love, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Virgil “Wayne” Tullos, who has been called home to his Savior on July 21, 2025, at his Okeechobee Florida ranch home. Born September 29, 1934, in the Arlington Community of Neshoba County, Mississippi, to Virgil Alton and Geneva Clark Tullos, Wayne’s 90 years overflowed withkindness, faith, and a legacy that touched countless lives. Raised alongside his dearbrothers, Clark (Leota) and Jerry (Dottie), his bond with them was unbreakable, filled with a shared lifetime connection of brotherly love. Sadly, he mourned Clark’s recent passing in 2024.

In 1950, Wayne’s heart found its anchor during a revival service at New Pearl Valley Baptist Church, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, a moment he often enjoyed sharing with others. His parents’ and grandparents’ Christian values shaped him, and he led his life as a gentleman with grace and integrity.

Wayne’s basketball talent was nothing short of remarkable. He led his teams to state, regional and national championships, consistently averaging 25 points per game in both high school and college. At East Central from 1953 to 1955, he set a national record making 19 straight free throws in a game, becoming a National Junior College Basketball Finalist, All- State, All- Regions Seven, and All- American as a sophomore. He finished his Junior and Senior years playing at Mississippi College. His sportsmanship glowed, earning him the Lions Bowl Sportsmanship Award in Hutchison, Kansas. He was drafted by the NBA Hawks and later drafted by the “House of David”. His athletic career was topped off by his induction into the college Hall of Fame in 1991.

Following East Central, Wayne earned a Bachelor of Science and Masters; at Mississippi College and went on to complete additional graduate studies at both The Florida State University and Florida Atlantic University. He also served in the United States Army Reserves from 1958 to 1964. As an educator, Wayne poured his heart into shaping young minds throughout his career, beginning at Lake High School and next when he was called to lead in Belle Glade Florida as a Dean of Boys, Principal and basketball Coach. 

Wayne’s entrepreneurial spirit shined as bright as his faith. He expanded beyond education into business ownership with a pit barbecue, an auto store, a local’s favorite bakery where he earned the nickname “Donut Man” for his generosity and lastly a furniture store. He was always so happy in his retirement working at the furniture store because so many in the community would drop by to spend time with him. Wayne created a community wherever he was led. His businesses were never just work; they were expressions of his love for people, driven by a tireless work ethic and a genuine desire to make life sweeter for others.

A devoted family man, Wayne’s passion radiated through his children- Evan, Ashley, Leslie and Rebecca, and their families, including son-in-law Jimmy Tripp, son-in-law Brian Merkey and the late son-in-law Brett Dargis. He cherished his grandchildren - Josh (Lauren), Morgan, Meg, Taylor, Austin, Madison (Nick), Kenzie, Blake, Conner, Dylan and Evan. And found deep joy in his great-grandsons Jaxson and Lucah. His brother’s children- Kelli (Stephen), Neil (Amanda), Sarah Beth (Brent) and Dawn carry his love forward. In his final years, caretakers, Patricia Sanchez and Wendy Castillo Diaz surrounded him with the warmth of godly loving caregivers. They were always so kind and dedicated to his well-being as invaluable extended family members. His family will carry his torch of faith, patience, kindness and grit, always remembering the example he set.

Wayne’s life, guided by Ecclesiastes 12:13- “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man”- was a gift to all who knew him. As Corrie Ten Boom stated: “The measure of a life is not its duration, but its donation,” and Wayne’s donation was boundless: a legacy of faith, kindness, and joy will live on forever.

Though we grieve his passing, we celebrate the man he was – a kingdom builder of community, a man of God, and a loving father, grandfather, and friend.