Marshall Lynn “Tookie” Gullie
July 27, 1952 – March 12, 2026
WENDELL – Marshall Lynn “Tookie” Gullie passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Tookie was born on July 27, 1952, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, to the late Neville Glendon Gullie Jr. and Ruby Thompson Gullie.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Debra Gullie; his sons, Chad Gullie and wife Melody of Knightdale, North Carolina, and Brad Gullie and wife Michele of Wendell, North Carolina; and his brother, Curtis Glenn Gullie of Clayton, North Carolina. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Maggie Gullie, Hudson Gullie, Griffin Gullie, Madison Wilson, and Grant Wilson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Tookie was preceded in death by his parents, Neville Glendon Gullie Jr. and Ruby Thompson Gullie; his sister-in-law, Nancy Gullie; and his nephew, Sean Gullie.
Tookie was deeply devoted to his family and treasured every moment spent together. He followed in his father’s footsteps as the owner of a Texaco service station on Six Forks Road in Raleigh. As the business grew, Tookie expanded into food service, which later became Tookie’s Grill. His outlook was always centered first and foremost on customer service, and through his work he formed many lifelong friendships.
As a young business owner, Tookie also developed a strong love for the youth in his community. He became a mentor through sports, coaching and guiding young people for the love of the game and for the opportunity to teach lessons they could use both on and off the field. He poured his passion into helping children reach their full potential and grow into strong, productive members of society.
Above all else, Tookie loved his family and treasured the time he spent with them. He also had a special love for animals and found great joy in spending time outdoors, especially fishing. Whether he was with family, caring for his animals, or enjoying a quiet day on the water, those moments brought him the greatest happiness. He also enjoyed cheering on Carolina football. Tookie will be remembered for his generous heart, his dedication to others, and the lasting impact he made on his family, friends, and community. His memory will live on in the many lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, your local SPCA or your favorite “No-Kill” Shelter.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20,2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Central Baptist Church located at 11109 Poole Road in Wendell NC, followed by the Memorial service at 7:00pm.
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W Third St., Wendell NC 27591 www.stricklandfuneral.com
15 Comments
Debra and Family I am in shock as well as I know you are and I am so sorry to hear the passing of Tookie! He is without a doubt one of the most caring people I have ever known! I haven’t seen any of you in a long time, but I will always remember those baseball games, the heat, the gathering of the players family members and the BEST COACH ON ANY TEAM! I am so thankful my Brian and Brad were a part of his team, where he taught them so much more than just about baseball!! Win or lose, be a good sport!!!! He was a great man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend! He will truly be missed by thousands of people that he has touched along the way! May God be with you and know he is with our Lord and Savior in a beautiful place! He may even be fishing at the moment! I love you all and I will never forgot you!!!!!
We are so sorry for your loss! Tookie was a good friend to us and will be missed. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers!!
So shocked and saddened to hear the news of Tookie’s passing.. He was a friend and always seemed to be in a good mood. If he was not having a good day, he never showed it and always had a kind word for everyone he met. The youth of Wendell and surrounding areas have truly lost a mentor and he will be missed. My prayers are with Deborah, Chad, Brad, and the rest of the family.
Tookie was a special friend to all of us in nearby Drewry Hills and took good care of us…we always loved going in the store for that wonderful chicken salad …….I hadn’t seen him in years after he moved from 6 Forks but we’ll always remember his kindness….a really good man …Betsy
Sending prayers for peace and comfort. It was heartbreaking to hear of Tookie’s passing. He and Billy were inseparable in high school and always involved in some shenanigans or hijinks “Frank”, as my dad affectionately named Tookie, was always at our house. He was another brother. Marriage, movement to another toen, children, etc, brought changes, and fewer encounters. However, those years equalled a day, ora week. It didn’t matter because Tookie was always the same. He honored us by serving as a pallbearer at my dad’s funeral. Sadly, we lost Billy the next year and he called me to say he just couldn’t make himself go to the memorial.His last words to me were “Sugar dont be a stranger.”
God love you and your family, and the many people whose life you touched. Until I see you again Frank. Go Heels🩵
My deepest condolences to the Gullie Family. Tookie was a great man and football coach. Ms Debra you and your family are in my prayers, he will never be forgotten and may God continue to bless you to the his sons and grandchildren
Sending our deeply condolences to the Gullie family #WendellRams
Glenn and Family, I am so very sorry to learn of Tookie’s passing away. I remember him at Westinghouse and ballgames, he was a special young man to all who knew him. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love in Christ,
Sandra Smith Morgan
My thoughts and prayers are with you Debra , Chad and Brad . Tookie was a very good man and friend as well . It is hard to believe that he has passed away. I just saw him the day before and we talked about old times together . I know he is looking down from heaven on everyone now.
So sorry for your loss Tookie was as good as they come!
So sorry to see and hear this news! I’ve been going to Tookies forever and where ever Tookies went, I followed! Will miss seeing him around for sure. I stopped by today to get chicken salad. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends,
I’m so sorry Debra. I have heard that you and Tookie were the perfect couple. I continue to pray for you and your family.
Love in Christ
We were dismayed to hear that our nearby neighbor, the bright, happy, energetic Tookie had made his earthly departure. He lived life wide open, and had such admirable inner drive that he drew the appreciation of a wide circle of those who had opportunity to know him. We were among his admirers and our hearts are touched with the sorrow of your loss and the vacant place left in our community and in the lives of the wide circle of family and friends who will never forget him. You will be in our prayers in these times of adjustment. (Pardon our tardiness in response, but we were both sick with RSV the last 3 weeks.)
Life is so short, just heard of his passing…. Evan that it’s over a month later.. had to leave my thoughts…. A good man …. Used to baby sit me… I called him the cokkie monster…. Over 50 years ago…. Praying for his family…
So sorry, as I just heard about his passing. He was a great person, always helpful and kind to me, my family and friends. Our sincere condolences to the family, as we send our thoughts and prayers.
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