Allen Tuggle, Sr.

Born in Lakehurst, New Jersey on January 28, 1944, Allen was the son of the late Coty Tuggle and Ruth Coleman Tuggle. After his dad’s tour of duty with the U.S. Navy was completed, the family moved to Atlanta, Georgia where Allen would call his home for many years thereafter.

Allen and his siblings attended English Avenue Elementary School. He went on to graduate from the historic Booker T. Washington High School, the alma mater of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was definitely a PROUD Washington Bulldog from the class of 1962 and boasted about it every chance he got.

He had a desire to serve his country and did so by joining the United States Army in 1979 where he performed as a Medical Specialist. Allen was a proud veteran and would sport his veteran’s hat every chance he got, mostly during his trips to Waffle House and on date nights. After his service in the military, Allen began his career with Northrop Grumman. He started as an Aircraft Mechanic and later went on to become an Aircraft Inspector. He happily retired in 2003.

Although Allen had retired from Northrop, he wanted to pursue his other “full-time job” – GOLF! He was an avid golfer and had an insatiable love for the game. As teenagers, Allen and his brother Coty worked as caddies on the golf course. They didn’t just caddy but became students of the game. Allen and Coty studied and took mental notes as they walked carrying someone else’s heavy bag. Their efforts paid off in the end! Allen became “superb” at the game and had a great love for it! As they say, “The rest is history!” He would be up at the crack of dawn waiting for his golfing brothers Wayne Carson and Mack McLawhorn to go play golf all over Georgia. Rain, sleet, and not much snow - they would play in almost any weather. He played until he couldn’t play anymore.

Allen’s love for barbecuing and sharing his food with friends and family sparked his entrepreneurial spirit and he eventually opened Hickory Pit Barbeque in 2004. People came from near and far for his beef brisket, ribs, and colorful conversations!

Allen met his “future” wife Loretta in 1989. They were later married in 1993. Together they had four children. He loved his family and always made sure there were life lessons taught and funny jokes to keep folks laughing. He loved talking and never met a stranger. If you didn’t stop him, he would go on ……and on…... Allen always had a story to tell, an experience to share, and gave straight talk. He lived life on his own terms – and did not mince his words.

On Wednesday, March 23, 2022 he was called home to be with the Lord.

He leaves to forever cherish his memories; his wife, Loretta E. Tuggle; three daughters, Loreal Henderson (Carey); Stephanie Severson (Barry); Bernadette Tuggle; one son, Allen Tuggle Jr.; two sisters, Sandra Melson, Debra Amos (Eric); two brothers, Coty Tuggle (Pamela), Eric Truitt; twelve grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, and special friends. Allen also had a very special relationship with his longtime friends, Kali Amin and Darrin Ellis.

He was preceded in death by both parents; his sibling, Ronald Tuggle; and nephew, Jason Victory.

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

The family of the Late Allen Tuggle Sr. wishes to express our sincere appreciation for your prayers, understanding, and acts of kindness during our time of bereavement.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at McCullough Funeral Home. His service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest with full Military Honors at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.

For friends and family unable to attend, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

Learn more about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at www.mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.