Raphael Earl Tucker, age 87 of Clarksville, TN, went to be with the Lord on September 20, 2011. He left peacefully from his residence.
He was born November 18, 1923 in Clarksville, TN, son of the late George Earl Tucker and Lena Mai Gaisser Tucker.
Raphael was the oldest living Clarksville native of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarksville, TN. He was born, raised and married in the same church. Raphael also served in the US Army during World War II. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The Father John A. Nolan Council #3537. He served as Grand Knight from June 1957 to June 1958. He became a 4th Degree Sir Knight on February 1, 1955 and also a charter member of the Father E. Morgan Assembly #2328.
Raphael was a member of Sigma Chi and a graduate of UT Knoxville, and a fan of The Big Orange Tennessee Football Team. He retired as the credit director of Acme Boot Company after 38 years in January 1986.
Many thanks to Tucker's "Special Angel", Theresa and the help of Gina, Dana and Asera Care Hospice.
Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Father Eric Fowlkes officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., with a Rosary to follow at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery with military honors.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Lucille Dean Tucker; cousins, Rosemary Salerno (Sam), Clarksville and Rachael Ann Thompson (Russ), Dunwoody, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Knights of Columbus.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.neal-tarpley.com.