William D Tuttle
October 28, 1934 - February 17, 2021
Obituary
Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Showman
William D. “Billy” Tuttle, age 86, passed away peacefully at home in the loving arms of his wife, Sheila, on February 17, 2021 in Lakewood, Washington.
Billy was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on October 28, 1934. He was one of 7 children. As a teen, he traveled to the west coast with his beloved brothers, Bobby, Clyde and David, where they started in the carnival business. When in Washington, they joined Meeker Shows and there Bill met the love of his life, Sheila Meeker. Bill and Sheila married in 1956 and raised five children: William Jr., Diane, Paige, Shannon and Dan. As newlyweds, they traveled through the states with Bill working concessions at state fairs. In 1962, Bill and Sheila settled in Tacoma to raise their growing family and started working for Sheila’s parents’ carnival, Meeker Shows. In 1969, Bill was the President of the Northwestern Showmen’s Club. He and Sheila began Tuttle Concessions in 1988 and operated their concessions nine months a year.
Billy’s wife, children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, for which he felt incredibly blessed. With a distinctive whistle and a cheerful song, Bill lived his life focused on the positive. He was a strong man with a big personality and an enormous heart, ready to extend a helping hand if called. When family or friends were in need, Billy didn’t hesitate to come to the rescue. He was so generous, he had been known to empty his pockets for the cause. People knew they could count on Billy.
Billy loved cutting up with his buddies on the golf course or card room, where he met life-long friends, who nicknamed him the “Big Dog.” Bill was a natural athlete and was good at many sports. Eventually, golf became his favorite, and he looked forward to playing on the tournament circuit. He even has a shelf designated for his many trophies. The one missing trophy is from when Bill earned the Indiana State Marble Championship at 12 years old!
Billy had many lessons to share with his kids. One thing he valued was education. He would stress that going to school was a privilege and never take it for granted. Due to unforeseen events, Bill was unable to complete his early education, so he expected good grades from his children. Sometimes he offered the big bucks for straight A’s! He wanted them to work hard and play hard. Bill repeatedly shared his mottos: “Be The Best” and “Never Quit.” The kids did their best to please him by working hard all year even when they were on the road in the summer. Bill stressed the importance of putting family first, loving whole-heartedly, never going to bed mad and never forgetting to say “I love you!”
After decades of the carnival life, Bill and Sheila retired in 2020. Bill was totally content being home, in his favorite chair, with his favorite girl. He enjoyed watching old westerns and sports, placing bets with his buddies, reading the Almanac, cocktail hour and Sheila’s home-cooked meals. She spoiled him every day for 65 years, and he knew how good he had it. He prayed daily and thanked The Lord for his beautiful wife and the beautiful life she helped create with him. Bill’s legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by:
Sheila Tuttle; William Tuttle, Jr., Diane Tuttle Tremaine (Carey), Paige Tuttle, Shannon Tuttle and Dan Tuttle; Heather Tremaine, Elliott Tremaine, Griffin Tremaine, Josephine Hunt, Sadie Hunt, Brady Tuttle and Eli Tuttle; Paul Meeker (Juanita); 17 nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northwestern Showmen’s Club Scholarship Fund.
Miss you every second of everyday Daddy Papa❤ Forever in my heart…”Have I told you latley that I love you” 🎵🎶🎼🎵🎹 Thats our song!
Remembering our Mid 50s Lincoln High days.
Condolences to Bill’s family. His big personality will be miss at the barbershop. He always came in whistling and a happy personality. We will miss him dearly.
I’m sending so much love your way. Sheila and Bill gave me the best sissy-in-law Paige, a gal could ever ask for along with 2 awesome nieces, I’m forever blessed.
Love to the entire Tuttle Family,
Becky
Sending you prayers for peace at this sad time for the family. Blessings and love in the days ahead. John and Britta Hunt
Billy was the best uncle a girl could ask for. I will never forget him.
Thinking of you sheila
Mysti Duncan
Sorry for the loss of this kind and loving man. Kurt & I are thinking of you Sheila and the memories you and Bill gave us and our children. Our thoughts are will all of your family as we reminisce.
Worked for Billy and Sheila in 2010 maybe, it was a great experience and they were both fantastic. I still remember Billy calling me Falita fondly.