Obituary of Andrew Matthew Tuite, Jr.

Andrew Matthew Tuite, Jr, of Columbia, passed away peacefully, Monday, September 25, 2023. A loving father and husband, he is predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Rae Quinn (Patti) Tuite. Andy is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa Tuite Newman (Mitch), Jeannie Tuite Michaels (Jon), Patricia (Tricia) Tuite Wheeler (Paul). Grandchildren are Quinn Newman Hudson (Bobby), Braxton Newman, Davis Newman, Jennings Michaels, Reid Wheeler, Drew Wheeler, and Wray Wheeler. Andy is survived by his sister, Beverly Tuite Durkin (George) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is predeceased by his sister, Patricia Tuite Flood and her husband, Tom of Cincinnati, Ohio, and his brother, Richard Ernest Tuite (Helene) of Plano,Texas. He is predeceased by his brother-in-law, Timothy (Tim) Gene Quinn and survived by his brother-in-law, Michael (Mike) Heniford Quinn (Blanche). Andy had many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

He was born and raised in Murray Hill, New Jersey. The son of the late Andrew Matthew Tuite, and Virginia Lang Tuite. He graduated from St. Benedict's Preparatory School, an all male school dedicated to academic excellence and developing student leaders. At the age of 17, Andy moved to South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina. Andy graduated from University of South Carolina with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Insurance. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and was active in many campus and city causes. He was proud of his Gamecocks and was a faithful football fan attending all of the home games.

After graduation, Andy served as a First Lieutenant with the 82nd Airborne Division. He then continued his service for many years as an officer in the Army Reserves.

His distinguished career with Nationwide Insurance spanned decades and took him to Raleigh, North Carolina, Tampa, Florida, and back to Columbia, South Carolina.

He led his sales team to receive many prestigious awards and special recognitions. He successfully completed the rigorous requirements to receive the distinguished CPCU and CLU designations. Andy and his sales team were consistently the national leaders in numerous lines of insurance sales.

Andy was faithful to his church and served as a deacon and elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Brandon, Florida. Upon moving to Columbia, he became a dedicated member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. He served as a deacon, Chairman of the Benevolence Committee, Sunday School teacher, completed the two year Bethel Bible Study, and never missed Wednesday night fellowship and Bible study. His volunteer activities included Hurricane Relief, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and the Veterans Hospital.

Andy loved spending time with his family at the beach and traveling with his wife Patti. His favorite trip was an African Safari where he said God's amazing splendor was everywhere he looked. Andy's quick wit and fun sense of humor brought pleasure to all who knew him. He believed deeply in the value of hard work no matter how menial. He never tired of learning, was an avid reader, and loved a spirited debate. His other hobbies included antique auctions, gardening, and following politics. Andy treasured his family, and his grandchildren gave him great joy. He loved to play jokes with them and tell them stories. He will be remembered as a kind, unassuming person as well as a loving husband and father with a solid faith, a quick smile, and strong work ethic.

A private family Memorial Service in celebration of the life of Andrew Matthew Tuite, Jr., will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorials be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road Columbia, S.C. 29204 or the Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, 700 DeVega Drive,Lexington, S.C. 29073.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.