Edward George Tutle

Edward George Tutle

Edward G. Tutle, 82, of Bonsack, Virginia, was born on December 27, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, and most recently resided in Roanoke, Virginia. He was the son of the late Anthony and Stella Tutle. He was married to the love of his life, Patricia Ann Tutle for 45 years until her death in 1997.

He was an electrical engineer with Martin-Marietta/Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida, until he retired in 1990. He had previously been employed with G.E. in Waynesboro and Lynchburg, Virginia. While working for GE in Lynchburg in 1979, he was the first GE employee to go back to Iran after the fall of the Shah; trying to reestablish business ties with the new regime within three weeks after the take-over.

He held three patents, including his beloved robotic orange picker in 1983. He continued to receive calls from all around the world requesting information on the orange picker. Ed was a life-long member of Toastmasters since 1964. He was also a life senior member of IEEE having joined in 1966. He was a 25 year member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. He was an active member of the Isle of Catalina Homeowners Association and held numerous leadership positions throughout the years.

He was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Orlando for over 20 years until he moved to Roanoke. He most recently attended St. Andrews Catholic Church in Roanoke.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary Tutle of Arlington, Virginia, and Patty Tutle of Bonsack; his son and daughter-in-law, John Tutle and Sharon Scott of Christiansburg; his son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Ellen Tutle of Hollins; and his grandchildren, Eliza and Will Tutle of Hollins.

His funeral service will be at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Orlando. His interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Florida, where he will join his wife.

A celebration of his life will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2010, at St. Andrews Catholic Church's Chapel, for friends to visit the family.

Arrangements by Oakey's East Chapel, Roanoke, Virginia, 540-977-3909.


This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.