Timothy "Tim" R. Tully

IN MEMORY OF: Timothy “Tim” R. Tully Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Timothy “Tim” R. Tully, 72, of Makanda, IL, passed away in the early morning hours of March 31, 2025 of a heart attack following a valiant 42-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. On August 8, 1952, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Tim became the third child born to Elizabeth and Marion Tully in the Mississippi River city of Quincy, IL. He joined his older siblings brother Terry & sister Sue in completing their family. Within walking distance of the river’s banks, Tim’s childhood was one straight from the pages of Mark Twain. His mischievous party of close friends on Adams Street was composed of the Morrison children who remained his most faithful friends the remainder of his life. No trip back home to Quincy would be complete without a visit with one or more members of this very large, loving, & generous clan. With his ever-increasing appetite for knowledge, Tim performed admirably throughout his educational endeavors, beginning at Quincy’s St. Mary’s School & graduating from Christian Brothers High School in Quincy in 1970, wherein he was the recipient of numerous academic recognitions. Tim completed a Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree in at the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign (UIUC). During this period he – along with a rowdy band of classmates - spent a year learning their craft in Versailles, France. So rambunctious were he & his fellow students they “streaked” in front of the Eiffel Tower. (There are pictures “out there” to prove it!) Tim often referred to his time aboard as “a defining year in his life”. Academically minded, Tim earned a B.S. in Architectural Studies, a Master of Science in Education, a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, the title of Registered Architect, & the title of Registered Interior Designer … all fields in which he had professionally contributed. In 1985 Tim accepted an assistant instructor position within the Architectural Studies Program in the School of Technical Careers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (currently the Architecture & Related Services program). This led to numerous administrative & teaching positions, tenure, & a nearly 30-year career in the educational sector. In the fall of 1985, Tim met Dave White during a new faculty mixer at the university. The pair struck up a personal friendship which led to a committed relationship for life. During Spring Break, the two eloped to Fort Madison, Iowa & were wed on March 17, 2010. Both painfully frugal, they celebrated with a drive-through dinner at Burger King. In 1983 Tim had been diagnosed with early signs of Multiple Sclerosis, which continued to advance & plague him the rest of his life, resulting in increasing reliance on personal assistance, numerous medications, frequent doctor appointments & hospital stays, use of a motorized wheelchair for mobility, & retirement from the university. His spouse retired from teaching in 2011, becoming a full-time caregiver for his beloved husband. The effects & chronic pain resulting from MS contributed to his premature death. Tim leaves behind his husband, Dave, brother Terry Tully, sister, Sue (Tully) Hufford, numerous nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews, as well as those of his extended family through marriage, most notably brother–in-law, Michael White, & sisters-in-law, Mary White and Donna (White) McCann. He also leaves many dear friends; the closest of which was his cousin, Sandy Hartman with whom he communicated throughout his life. Their long late night phone calls were epic; leaving him felt loved & cherished ... albeit a bit sweetly fatigued. Tim will be profoundly missed by all who knew his kind heart, generous soul, wry sense of humor, quick wit, & brilliant mathematical mind. He gave us all far, far more than he received. Tim has been cremated as per his wishes. His ashes will remain with his husband as till the time of Dave’s death. Upon Dave’s cremation each his & Tim’s ashes will be buried side by side in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois. Tim had requested no formal memorial service. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Timothy "Tim" R. Tully

August 8, 1952 - March 31, 2025