Ray A. Tull, lifelong farmer
Ray A. Tull, 71, of Seaford, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, while working on the farm that has been in his family for six generations. He was born Oct. 10, 1950, at Beebe Hospital in Lewes, son of the late Raymond and Beatrice Tull. He was the loving husband of Sheila M. Tull.
Ray graduated from Seaford Senior High School Class of 1968, and went on to study agriculture at the University of Delaware. After graduating college, he began his 36-year career at the former DuPont nylon plant, later Invista, in Seaford. In addition, Ray would manage and operate his farm throughout his career. After his retirement from DuPont/Invista, he became a full-time farmer and poultry grower, which he loved with a passion. Ray enjoyed watching his crops grow, fixing things, and often had to be reminded to finally end his workday.
He was the current master of Reliance Grange 58 and joined the Grange, a family fraternity supporting agriculture, in 1970. Also, he was the assistant steward and served on the executive committee of Sussex Pomona Grange. Ray was an active member of St. John’s United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher, and a member of United Methodist Men.
Ray will always be remembered as a kind soul who led through his quiet actions, hard work and integrity. He loved good conversation, never met a stranger and always greeted everyone with a smile. Ray was dedicated to his family, especially his wife, and loved spending time with his granddaughters.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sheila; two sons: Shaun (Erica) and Christopher (Gracey); four granddaughters: Ella, Madelyn, Lou and Ray; his sister, Iralene (Eenie) Burris and her husband Robert Burris; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Services will be held Tuesday, Aug. 9, at St. John’s UMC, Seaford. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon with a funeral service beginning at noon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s memory to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 300 N. Pine St., Seaford, DE 19973.
To leave a condolence, visit cranstonfuneralhome.com.
