Philip Henderson Tullis passed away November 12, 2024, at Taylorville Carriage Crossing.  He was 84 years old.

 

Philip was born to Jesse and Myrtle (Cox) Tullis in a cabin in Mill Shoals, Illinois on June 28, 1940.  Philip grew up in Fairfield, Illinois where he met and married Henryetta Moore on August 19, 1960.  Phil and Henryetta enjoyed 64 years of marriage.

 

He is survived by his wife, Henryetta; children Sheila (Skip) DePaepe -  Taylorville,  Rhonda (Sue Jones) Tullis - Chicago, and Brad (Trina) Tullis - Owaneco; grandchildren, Louis (Emily Durbin) DePaepe - Taylorville, Jenny (Jacob Kilduff) Tullis - Boardman, OH, Meredith DePaepe - Taylorville, and Jonathan Tullis - Owaneco; siblings Naomi Barnett - Anderson, IN, David (June) Tullis - Taylorville, Mary (Ron) Kelley - Taylorville, and Alan Niles “Nick” Tullis - Fairfield, IL; brother-in-law, Terry (Donna) Moore - Taylorville; and many nieces and nephews.

 

Philip was predeceased by both parents and brother Dale Tullis.  

 

Philip worked various jobs in construction early in life in Florida and eventually settled in Taylorville.  He started work at Caterpillar in Decatur and got into training, learning mechanical drawing.  He advanced to the Improved Design department and was named on two patents for Caterpillar.  Creative and innovative, he invented an elevation grade rod, built a treehouse on top of a large hollow sycamore tree for his children, and with his youngest brother Nick, constructed a double-sided piston engine they called “PhiNick”.  Phil always had a side business in addition to his regular job, doing home remodeling and eventually excavating.  He hauled many loads of black dirt all over Taylorville, often having his kids, nieces and nephews along to pull the lever, dumping the load.  In 1982, Philip left Caterpillar to go into excavating full time with one tractor and a dump truck.  Through hard work, perseverance, and outstanding results, he grew Phil Tullis Excavating into a successful business, with six tractors and three trucks, which continues today with his son in charge.  

 

Known for his humor, kindness, and authenticity, Phil will be missed by many.

 

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Sutton Funeral Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.   

 

Take Phil’s words to heart: “Don't forget, in your life, have a little fun!”