Tommie Lee Tufts Jr.

Tommie Lee Tufts Jr., age 74, went home to be with the Lord on January 26, 2023.

Tommie Lee Tufts Jr., affectionately known as “Spida and Bruh”, was born April 11, 1948, in Jones County, Georgia, to the union of Tommie Lee Tufts and Eula Fleet Strong who both preceded him in death. Born unto this union was Tommie and James, his brother and best friend.

Tommie came to Cleveland in 1953, where he received his education at East Technical High School, after which he was inducted into the U.S Navy and later honorably discharged.

He met and married Denise Tufts in 1974. They met the day she arrived in Cleveland, Ohio, from Dry Branch, Georgia, and it was at  first sight he looked at her Aunt and told her “Ms. Gibson, I’m gone marry your niece.”

To this union two children were born Tamira (Tori) Tufts and Che’ Omar Tufts. They were married for 48 years. He was employed at General Motors for 30 years until her retired in 2008.

Tommie was actively involved with his AA Home Group, New Way of Life, consistently for 34 years. He would attend weekly meetings, AA Celebrations and hold annual fish fry’s. He single handily prepared the meals for all the anniversaries.

At a young age he developed a passion for cooking from his father Tommie Lee Sr.,  loving known as “Bean Man.”  Over the years as an expression of his love for family and friends he would prepare unforgettable meals. Some of his favorite things to prepare was his famous ribs, hot water bread, turnip and collard greens, fried corn and sweet potato pie, his sweet Peach and Honey Jam. Let’s not forget that Good Ole homemade Ice Tea. He would also, spend endless hours working in the yard and sitting in the garage while grilling because he most likely was catering a meal for someone.

He loved, lived and breathed for his children Tamira and Che’ Omar. Being their father was the biggest blessing a father could have. Each of them held a special place in his heart and they showed him a love he didn’t know was possible.

Whether it was sitting at the counter while cooking and holding endless conversations with Tori or making special trips to the barbershop with Che followed by a good meal from Mary’s Diner. As Che’ matured he taught him everything there was to know in the kitchen, to which he is now an amazing cook. He also had a special bond with Monique “Nikki” and Andre Tufts. He was a DAD to so many and a servant to his neighbors and his community.

He is survived by his wife Denise, two children Tori and Che’, seven sisters; Brenda, Donella, Nayvonne, Shirley, Theresa, Tanya and Venita. One brother,  Odis Jr.,

Three brothers preceded him in death, Delvin, James and Jerome. He forever held a special place in his heart for his Aunt Alice and because of that he was like one of her children. As a result he became a brother and an uncle to their children He is also survived by host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.