Tyler "T.J." Julian Rauls, Jr.

On Friday, September 11, T.J. Rauls passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his wife and family. A memorial service will be held at Martha Bowman Church on Monday, September 14, at 11 a.m., with a reception immediately following. Interment will take place at Young Cemetery in Bold Springs, Tennessee, at a later date.

Tyler Julian Rauls, Jr., was born May 26, 1944, in Albany, Georgia, to Rev. Tyler Rauls Sr. and Irene Powell Rauls. The youngest of two sons, T.J. and his brother, Frank P. Rauls, grew up throughout South and Middle Georgia as their father, a Methodist minister, served many churches before finally settling in Macon.

After graduating from Willingham High School,T.J. earned an Associates Degree from Young Harris College, a Bachelors of Science at University of Alabama. Upon returning to Macon he found his draft notice waiting for him. T.J. proudly served in the United States Army, performing pharmaceutical experiments at Walter Reed Institute of research to protect soldiers against malaria during the Vietnam War. Following an honorable discharge, T.J. attended the University of Miami earning a Masters Degree in Biochemistry.

Industrious and hard-working at everything he did, T.J. began working with DuPont Industries in Miami. He eventually moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he met the love of his life, Amy Louise Vineyard. Together, Amy and T.J. created a partnership upon which they built a family, a business, and a home that brought joy and life to many. Through decades of work alongside his older brother, Frank, T.J. and Amy established some of the area’s finest assisted and independent living communities. Throughout his career, he built a legacy that he passed on to his sons, known today as the Vineyard Company.

In keeping with his nonstop work ethic, T.J. also served on many local boards and generously supported many local organizations, including Crossroads Counseling, and the Methodist Children’s Home. A longtime member of Martha Bowman Church, T.J. loved to serve wherever he was. Along with being a member of the Francis Asbury Sunday School class, he was most proud of his work tending to the church grounds. T.J. loved plants and landscaping and spent much of his free time rooting, planting, nurturing, and bringing beauty to the places he loved. He took great delight in the simple joy of digging a hole to plant something new.

T.J. was a lover of books. He could often be found reading six or seven books at a time, ranging from historical biographies and math textbooks to spy novels, self-improvement and leadership books, Southern history, theology, historical classics, and even romance novels. He also loved playing the piano.

Even though T.J. was always serious about the tasks before him, he was also ready to laugh and find joy on any occasion. Perhaps this is best characterized by the fact that, when asked what he would prefer his future grandchildren to call him, T.J. said, “Grandfather Sir.” When his first grandchild quickly shortened it to “Fa,” however, he delighted in his new name.

T.J. will be remembered for his hard work, deep thinking, love of people, and generosity. He had an extraordinary drive and work ethic, more than anything, he loved and cared for his wife, Amy, and his sons and their families. He gave it all he had every single day of his life.

T.J. is survived by his wife of 51 years, Amy Vineyard Rauls; his three sons, Wesley (Clare), Andy (Courtney Moss), and Michael (Amy); and seven grandchildren: Alice, Amy Caroline, Martha, Luke, Christopher, Lucy, and Levi. He is also survived by his brother, Frank P. Rauls of Alpharetta, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of T.J. to Crossroads Christian Counseling Center, 717 North Ave, Macon, GA 31211.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express your condolences.

Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, has charge of the arrangements.