Edgar Tufts Jr.

EDGAR TUFTS JR. LIVESTREAM LINK
Edgar Tufts, Jr. was born on June 16, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Edgar Tufts, Sr. and Alice Goddard- Tufts. He was the eldest of nine children and embraced that role with pride, responsibility, and deep love. Even as a young boy, Edgar demonstrated leadership, discipline, and a strong work ethic. At nine years old, he began working with his Uncle Bud, shaping the industrious spirit that carried him throughout his life.
As a teenager, he worked at Gale's Super Value, where his memorable red hat earned him the nickname "Ed in the Red." His dedication and initiative led him from carrying groceries to running the produce department by age sixteen. These early experiences became the foundation of a successful and influential career.
Education was a large part of Edgar's life. A bright and inquisitive child, he quickly stood out among his peers. In fourth grade, he tested at a tenth-grade level in reading and math. While attending Harry E. Davis Junior School, Edgar and Lawrence Pierson Greer scored in the top 10% statewide-an achievement highlighted in The Plain Dealer. In ninth grade, Edgar was selected to participate in the televised academic quiz show "It's Academic." When he entered John Hay High School, he became active in Upward Bound and met many of his lifelong friends.
After graduating from Case Western Reserve University, Edgar began his professional journey with Northwest Orient Airlines as a Ticket Agent in Washington, D.C. He quickly advanced, becoming a key leader in minority recruitment by traveling to HBCUs across the country and connecting Northwest with organizations such as the NAACP, Urban League, and Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC). He went on to serve as Senior Employment Representative, Assistant Director of Reservations in Cleveland, and later Director of Reservations at Texas International Airlines in Houston. Throughout his career in the travel and aviation industries, he helped countless people of color enter fields that had once been difficult to access.
Edgar continued his leadership in Human Resources and later served as Vice President with Certified Vacations and Jamaica Air, and Vice President of a call center in Miami. He ultimately became a partner with Mathnasium, proving once again that he was never afraid of new challenges or new horizons.
On June 16, 1981, Edgar married Sheryl Porter, the love of his life. Together, they shared 44 years of marriage, travel, laughter, and a deep commitment to family. They encouraged relatives to pursue higher education by offering family scholarships and were known for their love of fine dining, world travel, and weekly Friday night movie dates.
Edgar was known for his integrity, intelligence, ambition, and strong beliefs. He enjoyed science, music, debate, and especially science fiction-watching Star Trek for more than 50 years. He made an impact everywhere he went, from the boardroom to the dinner table, from the classroom to the airport terminal. His sharp mind, warm conversation, and willingness to help others will never be forgotten.
He leaves to cherish his memory:
His devoted wife, Sheryl Tufts;
His siblings, Linda McKinney (Marvin), Milton Tufts, Pam Tufts, Shirley Cotton, Debra Johnson (Manuel), Denise Tufts, Diane Tufts, and John Tufts (Lynn);
A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, and the last of his junior high brotherhood, Robert Lee Acree III.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved uncles Eugene Goddard and Roosevelt Goddard, Jr., and cousins/big brothers James and Tommie Tufts.
Edgar lived a life full of purpose, achievement, and love. His legacy will continue through his family, his friends, and every life he touched. He will be truly missed.
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