His death has been referred to the coroner, and yesterday Senior Sergeant Grant Russell, of Ashburton, said no charges had been laid but enquiries were ongoing.
Brother-in-law Tony Purcell, who is married to Mr Tully's sister Maureen, joined other family members at Mr Tully's Tinwald home yesterday.
He told the Guardian Mr Tully was a well known man about town, who had a strong Catholic faith.
"He lived on his own, never married or had any kids but he was a friend to everybody,'' he said.
Mr Purcell said the family had rallied round at the hospital from 2pm on Monday, and it was hard to see him go.
"All we know is he was going from where he lives to get some lozenges for a sore throat, but he got hit on the crossing,'' he said.
Originally from Rakaia, Mr Tully spent 40 years working as a linesman around the South Island, moving to Ashburton in the late 1980s, Mr Purcell said.
"He enjoyed his work and he was a great traveller too. He called a spade a spade and loved his trots and rugby,'' he said.
Mr Tully was a regular at the Holy Spirit Church in Tinwald where his funeral will be held on Saturday. He will then be buried at the Rakaia cemetery.
Mr Tully, one of six siblings, was survived by his sister Maureen Purcell and several nephews and nieces.
Mr Russell said police were continuing with investigations and the Serious Crash Unit and photographers visited the scene yesterday.
"We still have to speak to witnesses and establish what has gone on.''
Although it was still unclear what occurred in the final seconds before Mr Tully was hit, Mr Russell said it was vital pedestrians looked both ways and took extra care when crossing the road.
