Obituary for Rev. Dr. Justin W. Tull

It is with deep sadness, and with gratitude for a life faithfully lived, that we share the passing of The Rev. Dr. Justin Wade Tull, who died on July 3, 2026, at the age of 81.

Dr. Justin Wade Tull, beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, author, and friend, passed away on July 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with brain cancer that lasted more than four years.

Justin was born and raised in Crossett, Arkansas, the son of Wade and Oneida Tull. From his Arkansas roots, he carried throughout his life a deep sense of humility, faith, perseverance, and care for others. Those qualities would shape not only his family life, but also a lifetime of ministry devoted to helping people find meaning, comfort, and grace in every season of life.

A graduate of Hendrix College, Justin went on to study at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, where he earned three advanced degrees, including a Doctor of Ministry in preaching. He served for nearly four decades as an ordained United Methodist minister, primarily in the North Texas area. Over the course of his ministry, he pastored churches in rural, suburban, and inner-city settings, including appointments at Axe Memorial UMC in Garland, First UMC Wolfe City, First UMC Cooper, Charleston UMC, First UMC DeSoto, Walnut Hill UMC in Dallas, First UMC Denton, Oak Lawn UMC in Dallas, Calvary UMC in Paris, and later interim appointments at Suncreek UMC in Allen and Vista Ridge UMC in Lewisville.

Justin’s ministry was marked by thoughtful preaching, steady church leadership, and a deep commitment to the life of the church communities he served. He was on the Board of Ordained Ministry, mentored clergy and interns, taught preaching, led Bible studies, coached pastors and congregations, and helped guide churches through seasons of transition and renewal. His work reflected both his intellectual depth and pastoral compassion — a rare ability to speak honestly about suffering, faith, doubt, hope, and the practical challenges of Christian living.

He was also a prolific author whose books extended his ministry far beyond the pulpit. His works included Wrestlings, Wonders, and Wanderers, Why, God, Why? Sermons on the Problem of Pain, Christmas Journeys: Finding Joy along the Way, Interim Ministry: Positive Change in Times of Transition, Surviving and Thriving in Ministry: Lessons I Learned, Mistakes I Made, Vital Preaching: The Art of Sharing God’s Word, and the Reflections series on God, daily living, and the Christian faith. Through these writings, Justin continued to teach, comfort, challenge, and encourage readers seeking a thoughtful and lived faith.

Beyond his public ministry, Justin was deeply loved as a husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Janette Tull; his children, Martin Tull and Alison Griffin; his grandchildren, Owen and Fisher Cruden; and Janette’s children and grandchildren, Michael and Liz Williams, Mark and Lisa Williams and Sofia, Hudson, Sydney and Brandon, whom he loved deeply. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, wisdom, humor, resilience, and devotion to all that he encountered.

Justin’s life was one of words, service, and witness as he helped others wrestle honestly with life’s hardest questions while pointing toward grace, courage, and hope. He also had a sharp wit, a great sense of humor, and loved a good squeeze from a caring handshake.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm on July 20th at First United Methodist in Richardson, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Justin’s memory to consider a gift in his name to Habitat for Humanity or the North Texas Food Bank, organizations that he supported for decades.