Joe Tutt Dunaway

Tutt Dunaway, 63, formerly of Lincolnton, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at his residence in Evans, Georgia.

Born on December 8, 1962 in Dr. Pennington’s clinic in Lincolnton, Tutt was the only child of the late John Alexander and Colleen Cox Dunaway. He spent his early years on the sprawling Dunaway Ranch, where his deep affection for the land and its animals took root amid the pastures and hayfields along Dry Fork and Soap Creek. Although he did not follow a path in cattle farming, the rhythms of ranch life and his bond with livestock remained a cherished part of him. An Eagle Scout, Tutt lost his father during his senior year of high school in 1981. He attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College before returning home.

Outgoing and warm-hearted, Tutt had a gift for making everyone feel like his closest friend. His free spirit found expression in his fondness for Camel nonfilter cigarettes, his talent at the pool table, and his love of playing cards. A devoted Georgia Football supporter, he made game days special with stops at The Varsity, where he would enjoy a dozen chiliburgers. Above all, he found joy in cooking and took great pleasure in sharing his recipes with his daughter, Liz, ensuring his spirit would live on through the flavors and traditions he passed down. He was also a lifelong fan of the Doobie Brothers, often turning to their music for comfort and inspiration.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Dunaway Spratlin and her husband Russ; granddaughters Avery Spratlin and Faye Beth Spratlin; and his aunt, Emily Dunaway Hester.