BY KELLY HOUSE, khouse@MiamiHerald.com
J. Wallace Tutt III, a South Florida interior designer and developer whose elegant, understated style attracted a celebrity clientele that included Cher, Gianna Versace, and Robert De Niro, died Saturday morning in the Bahamas.
The cause of death was unclear.
Bahamian police said they were investigating Tutt's death, but would not comment on whether foul play was suspected.
Tutt, 53, lived on a private island he owned off of Harbour Island. He also maintained a penthouse on Miami Beach's Sunset Harbor.
Longtime friend Dan Sehres, owner of Miami Beach's Bar 721, said Tutt's body is being flown to Nassau, Bahamas, for an autopsy.
Bahamian officials were unable to confirm that.
``He was a gentleman that was truly a great friend,'' Sehres said.
``Honestly, I'm going to miss that. He's one of those people I thought I was going to know forever.''
Tutt's most recent local accomplishment was the renovation of The Angler's hotel, completed in 2007. But for the past several years, he had been spending much of his time at his Bahamian masterpiece: The Rock House, a 1940s-era house that Tutt converted into a luxury boutique hotel.
Click here to read the complete obituary.
Top photo by Marice Cohn Band / Miami Herald Staff
Portrait by John VanBeekum / Miami Herald Staff
Wallace was such a sweet, stylish, handsome, uber talent of a man. When I first came to shore on Miami Beach I was fortunate to meet Wallace & Don. I performed as Cher on numerous occasions at their home. He introduced me to some people who have become good friends to this day. Wallace & I were both born in the southern region of Alabama & never let go of our Southern roots and mutual love for Country Music. I would rather have 50 of Fabulous than 90 years of mediocrity, and if ever there was ever a man who personified this, it would be the Wonderful Wallace. Rest in Peace angel.
Posted by: Elaine Lancaster | June 13, 2010 at 10:18 AM
2 things can be said about Wallace Tutt:
1. He always had fun
2. He was the most loyal friend imaginable
Having known Wallace and his family for over 40 years, there was no finer person. His Southern style and grace coupled with his quick wit and devotion to his friends made him one-of-a-kind.
The world is a better, more beautiful place for having been graced by Wallace Tutt. Heaven now has a special angel.
RIP & God Speed, dear friend
Posted by: Frances Kirk | June 13, 2010 at 10:29 AM
You will be truly missed my ole' friend, I have nothing but great memories of hanging out with you, good times!
May you find the peace that sometimes eluded you. Rest in peace dear Wallce....
Posted by: Monica Harvey | June 13, 2010 at 01:05 PM
For many of us, Wallace was a leader. He inspired us, challenged us and gave us a story to tell about our lives that was good. It was truly a moment in time, and if you were there or somewhere near you honor Wallace Tutt for his kind and perfect manner. As a southerner, a friend and someone who grew up on Harbor Island, i very well know that Wallace will be missed by many! May God bless us all with his inspiration, Light and Love.
Posted by: Robert Porter Finch | June 13, 2010 at 01:49 PM
I got to know Wallace when I wrote a profile of him 10 years ago for Ocean Drive Magazine. Because I was faced with a tight deadline, Wallace commenced to set up an entire weekend of dinner/pool parties and invite his best friends and associates. The weekend ended with a phone call to Cher. Later, he hosted me on his private island in the Bahamas -- another highlight of my journalistic career.
Beyond his enormous creative talents, Wallace was one of the most loving, giving people I have ever met. He was always the life of any party, but also the best friend anyone could ask for.
I suspect that many fantastic humans over the eons have made God smile upon their arrival in heaven. I also suspect that Wallace is one of the few who made God laugh.
His death is a great loss, but his life was a triumph in every way.
Posted by: john buchanan | June 13, 2010 at 05:49 PM
i was hired to work for wallace in 1993 during the versace mansion project. we put in long hours and worked very hard. everything wallace did came beautifully. we would take mansions and turn them into shells and renovate to some of the most awesome homes. i miss that now. look at 4520 n bay rd. and 4810 n bay rd. 3 star island all tutt renovation. he was a good guy to me and treated me very well. i was injured for a while and he made sure i was taken care of. quite a guy in my opinion. rip wallace. one of a kind.
Posted by: michael j. manning | June 14, 2010 at 08:51 AM
I worked on a few projects with Wallace during the late 90s in Sobe. They all came out great.
No matter how difficult a situation got it was always fun with Wallace. I'll remember Wallace for his kindness, talent , generosity and humor.
Cheers Wallace.
Posted by: David S. Trautman | June 15, 2010 at 12:42 AM
I came to south beach in the early 90's and started working for wallace.he shurly was an artist and a great guy.always fair and listening if somebody had problems.if he asked you to go the extra mile and work long hours you just did it because of his great attitude towards everyone.i will always remember him as a kind human beeing that touched many lives.R.I.P wallace
Posted by: Roger Kube | June 15, 2010 at 10:28 AM
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH WALLACE TUTT AT THE ROCK HOUSE HOTEL, IN HARBOUR ISLAND BAHAMAS FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS. HE WAS A GREAT BOSS AND IT WAS A PLEASURE TO WORK FOR HIM. HE WILL SURELY BE MISS BY MANY .HE TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES HERE IN HARBOUR ISLAND BAHAMAS. LOVE YOU WALLACE R.I.P.
Posted by: Denise Riley | June 15, 2010 at 02:19 PM
Wallace was truly a gentleman someone who cared for all people whether black or white rich or poor he cared for them all.I met him just a year and a half ago and the guy has already place and everlasting mark of remembrance on me .wallace will also be missed in Harbour Island.A place where he loved and did so much for {generously).the guy was unbelievable especially how he handled people.Gone to soon.
Posted by: michael johnson | June 16, 2010 at 12:16 AM
I had the honor to be your hair dresser for-19 years,you were my insperation,an idol and a person that I could look up to,a real gentelmen.your humor kindness,generosity,and talent will be rememberd forever.you will be missed,please watch over us now that you are an angel in heaven.
love,Gaby attias and the family.
Posted by: Gaby Attias | June 16, 2010 at 11:22 PM
I had the great pleasure of writing about Wallace on numerous occasions. His charismatic personality and talent combined with extraordinary warmth and generosity made an indelible impression on me from the beginning. Wallace hosted me on a weekend trip to DC to attend a black-tie fund raiser. In his inimitable way, Wallace turned the evening into more of a fun raiser. The few other times I dined with Wallace and Don under casual circumstances were equally memorable. Despite my sadness about his untimely death, I am grateful to have known this exceptional man who lived life to the fullest and touched countless others like me along the way.
Posted by: Roberta (Bobby) Klein | June 18, 2010 at 12:59 PM
Worked with dear Wallace on a few projects over the years.I do not like many human beings, but Wallace i always found to be real in every way, we had our differences sometimes, but it always worked out. He is one of the most intelligent people I have met in this life so far, & I really liked & respected him. Do not have many people in my heart, but you are one of them,you always showed me kindness.
Safe journey Wallace. We will meet again x
Posted by: Lucien Kaczmarek | January 20, 2011 at 10:16 AM