Count yourself lucky if you knew Tutt Sullivan. The world lost a good man when he died May 1.

Warren Ware “Tutt” Sullivan was a farmer, husband to his wife of 50 years, Jane, and much more. He knew farmers from the East to the West Coast through his leadership service on the boards of Staplcotn and Cotton Incorporated. Tutt had the type of personality that easily endeared him to others. He was always quick with a smile, a friendly handshake, and a conversation about cotton — the crop that he loved producing the most.

He served on the board of Staplcotn from 1992 to 2015. “Tutt was a special man who had a positive attitude and always thought of others. He loved agriculture, was passionate about cotton, and worked tirelessly to advance the success of our industry,” says Mike P. Sturdivant III, producer and chairman of the board, Staplcotn.

From 1997 to 2012, he served on the Cotton Incorporated board of directors. “Tutt was not only an astute and valued board member, but everyone loved being around him and enjoyed his jovial nature. He will be missed and remembered,” says J. Berrye Worsham, president and CEO, Cotton Incorporated.

Through those years of service, he became friends with countless farmers across the Cotton Belt, but he and Jane became close friends with Cotton Incorporated board member Jerry Hamill, N.C., and his wife Betty. At meetings, Jerry would always arrive at the room early and prop up chairs against the board room table to signify reserved seating for the self-proclaimed “Back Row Boys Choir” that included cotton producers B.B. Griffin of North Carolina, Wayne Bush of Mississippi, Bernie Jordan of Mississippi, Willie German of Tennessee, and Jaby Denton of Mississippi.

He lived in the small town of Tunica most of his life. He stayed involved with activities that enriched his community and the lives of others. He was a Rotarian, a Tunica town alderman, and served as chairman of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was a founding member of the “Mean Green Pulling Team” that participated in an annual tractor pull event at Tunica’s Battle Arena. The event raised thousands of dollars each year for the kids at St. Jude.

He began the hobby of collecting toy tractors at an early age. At one time his extensive collection was claimed to be the largest in the state of Mississippi.

Tutt is survived by his wife, Jane, and sons Ware (Sally) of Oxford, Miss; McLean (Bess) of Tunica, Miss; and Irwin (Brandy) of Southaven, Miss. He also leaves behind five grandchildren; Mary Victoria Sullivan, Hope Sullivan, Mac Sullivan, Kate Preston Sullivan, and Elise Sullivan.

Tutt and Jane Sullivan were a couple whose lives were enriched by their faith in God, and love of family, but also by the many friendships created through the enduring bond of agriculture.

The following is a link to his obituary: http://bit.ly/2jwa4Rn.