Col. (R) Robert Merrill Tuttle, Jr.

COL (R) Robert Merrill Tuttle, Jr., 73, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Wednesday December 4, 2019 at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. He was born on March 10, 1946 on base in West Point, New York to the late Robert Merrill Tuttle, Sr. and Dolores D. (Young) Tuttle. 

Bob served in the United States Army for 30 years as a stalwart leader, earning incredible respect and dedication from those he led.  Bob enlisted in the Army as an Engineer, where he would eventually attend the Officer Candidate School and receive his commission as an Infantry Officer.  Throughout his career as an Officer, Bob would serve in numerous positions of leadership, serving as a Platoon Leader in the 173rd Airborne in Vietnam, a Green Beret and Civil Affairs Officer, a Mechanized Infantry Company Commander in the 1st Armored Division in Berlin during the Cold War, and a Battalion Commander in Civil Affairs.  Bob's illustrious career would have him see combat and deployments to Vietnam, Operation Just Cause in Panama, and Operation Desert Storm / Desert Shield.  Additionally, Bob would earn the coveted Special Forces Tab, the Senior Parachutist Badge, Thai Parachute Badge, Egyptian Parachute Badge, Republic of Vietnam Jump Wings, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Scuba Diver Badge. Bob served with absolute distinction, achieving numerous awards to include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, 2 with "V" Device), the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with 4 Campaign Stars), the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (with Palm), the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with 10 year device), the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal 1st Class, and the Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin).  While his resume speaks volumes of his career and achievements, Bob was absolutely devoted to his Soldiers as an inspiring Officer with an unmatched understanding of being a combat leader.

In addition to his military service, Bob and his wife ran a successful antique shop in Greer, South Carolina for more than 20 years. In his free time, Bob enjoyed movies, puzzles, card games, and running, including having just recently competed in a local 12K and placing 3rd in his age group. Bob also loved taking long morning walks on the beach with his beloved dog, Eli, and drinking a nice glass of wine. Above all else, Bob loved his family with his whole heart and he will be deeply missed. 

Left to cherish Bob’s memory are his beloved wife of 32 years, Mrs. Ellen Bell Tuttle of Pawleys Island, SC; his children, Christopher James Tuttle and his fiance, Marcelino Gonzalez of New York, NY, Jennifer Tuttle Godden and her husband, Kristopher of Charlotte, NC, and Brittany Tuttle Middlebrooks and her husband, Josh of Sacramento, CA; his grandchildren, Kylie Gray Godden as well as one on the way; siblings, Kathy Tuttle Birnbaum, David Paul Tuttle, Carl Tuttle, Judy Tria, Ralph Tuttle, John Tuttle, and Martin Tuttle; Jennifer and Christopher’s mother, Brenda Smith Keeter; and his best friend and dog, Eli; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many supportive friends, neighbors, and comrades. 

A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held and private burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery in the spring with full military honors.

At the request of the family, please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. Contributions may be made in Bob’s name to Homes for our Troops or All4Paws Animal Rescue. 

To offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, kindly visit, www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.