Redden Tuten, Jr.

On February 23, 2022 the life journey of Redden Tuten Jr ended at home after a valiant fight with various health issues over the past few years. Redden was born the fifth of seven children to Redden Tuten Sr and Virie Crosby Tuten Crapse.  He was born to his parents 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, he took his first job at the Winn Dixie Grocery store on Main Street in Hampton, SC.  It was there that he learned what would become his life time trade as a grocer and butcher.  It was there that he also met and subsequently married Betty Peeples Tuten (Deceased).  They were married for twelve years and had two children, Carol Lennis Tuten Oglesby and Mark Redden Tuten.   In 1965, he, along with his wife Betty, purchased Long’s Red and White Supermarket located in Estill, SC beginning his journey as a small business owner and grocer, eventually owning three supermarkets in Estill, SC, Hampton, SC, and Ridgeland, SC.  His career as a grocer spanned the course of fifty-six years ending in April 2021 with the closure of his last remaining 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 into the family in 1975.  In 2006, Redden and Gloria also accepted custody of their great-grandson Seth Ian Garvin who remains in their home.

Redden was known as several things; a gentleman, a groceryman, and an avid hunter, but his most treasured title was that of a Christian.  He was known by many for his gentle and benevolent spirit, as well as his ability to teach the Bible and minister in quiet ways.  He was originally baptized as a member into Robertville Baptist Church however, over the years, he and Gloria served in many different ministries across the area which served the communities of Hampton, Estill, Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, and Savannah Ga.  He served in various roles as a teacher, lay speaker, Deacon, and Elder.  He eventually returned to Robertville Baptist Church, was licensed into the ministry in 2008, and served as the Pastor for eight years before giving up the Pastorate due to his declining health.  During his ministry, the church saw a growth in membership and the facility was renovated.

Redden was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Betty, sister Clotele Tuten Hadwin, Pineland, SC, brothers Reverend William Barney Tuten, Scotia, SC, Wilbur Preston Tuten, Estill, SC, Reverend George Daniel Tuten, Estill, SC, children Tommie Ray Knowles Jr, Robertville, SC, Mark Redden Tuten, Varnville, SC, and grandchild Ashley Loren Knowles, Augusta, Ga.

Redden leaves to love and cherish his memory, Gloria Langford Tuten, his loving wife and helpmate of 49 years, his children Lennis Tuten Oglesby (Mike), Martin, SC, Tammy Knowles Ballard (Raymond), Ridgeland, SC, Grady Langford Knowles (Crystal), Brunson, SC, Thaddeus Joseph Tuten (Meredith), Greenville, SC, and Seth Ian Garvin, Estill, SC, his sisters Irene Tuten Barker, Estill, SC , Hattie Tuten Stanley, Varnville, SC along with twelve grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

A private visitation will be held at the family home, 353 Tuten Blvd on February 26 ^th 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