Obit – Dr. Robert Jospeh Tuley
Dr. Robert Joseph Tuley passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Bob was born June 17, 1934 in Carthage, Tennessee. As a youngster, Bob worked with his father at Tuley Furniture Company in Carthage, delivering furniture and helping around the store. In high school, he played tuba in the band and also traveled to Nashville to take accordion lessons. He was proud of his nine consecutive years of perfect Sunday school attendance at Carthage United Methodist Church.
Bob attended Smith County High School, Martin Methodist College, and received Bachelor and Masters of Music Education degrees at Murray State University in Kentucky. He earned a Doctor of Education in music from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
In his early career, Bob was a professor at the University of Northern Iowa, where he directed the music program for the Lab School, supervised student teaching, and conducted instrumental ensembles.
Beginning in 1971 he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in music education at the University of Southern Mississippi where he was Professor of Music and Area Chairman for Music Education. During his tenure at USM he also served terms as state president of the Mississippi Music Educators Association and was editor of their journal, the Mississippi Music Educator.
After retirement, Bob enjoyed extensive travels in Europe and the United States with his wife, Pat. He also spent much time golfing on many different courses around the world, making several holes in one and often scoring well below his age.
Bob spent the last few years living at Brookdale Memory Care in Hattiesburg. We want to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Brookdale. Their expertise, kindness, and unwavering commitment to Bob’s comfort and dignity were truly remarkable. We are grateful for the support and care they provided Bob and our entire family.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Lynn (Dyer), and parents, William Marcus Tuley and Fannie Belle (Pierce) Tuley, sisters Delene Tuley Hargis and Frances Tuley Coleman, and brother William (Bill M) Tuley Jr.
He is survived by his daughters Karla Tuley Lockwood (Robert), Joanna Tuley Burnside (Biljac), grandchildren Michelle Byrd, Mattie Emerson, John Lockwood, Ben Lockwood and seven great grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and friends.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Brookdale, Hattiesburg. Checks may be made payable to Brookdale, and be sent to 107 Fox Chase Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, Attn: Cynthia Headley.
