Robert B. “R.B.” Tucker, Sr., 82, of Ocilla, Georgia, died Tuesday, October 21, 2014, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 11 A.M., Thursday, October 23, 2014, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Ocilla with the Rev. Andy Kemp officiating. Patsy Kemp and Dr. James Luckie will deliver eulogies. Interment will follow in Frank Cemetery, Irwin County. The family will receive friends from 7-9 Wednesday evening at the funeral home in Ocilla.
Mr. Tucker was born April 23, 1932, in Woodville, Florida to the late Elisha David & Virginia White Tucker. He graduated second in his class from Bear Automotive School in Rock Island, Illinois. He owned and operated R. B. Tucker, Sr. Bear Safety Service in Ocilla. Mr. Tucker could fix anything and enjoyed working in his shop and tending his yard. He enjoyed playing golf and served on the board of the Ocilla Country Club. He was a lifelong Republican and was named a Lieutenant Colonel, Aide-de-Camp, by Governor Lester Maddox. A strong believer in education, Mr. Tucker was one of a group of 12 men who established Irwin Academy. He was of the Methodist faith.
He is survived by his children: R.B. Tucker, Jr. & D’Anna of Alapaha and Julie Tucker of Ocilla; grandchildren: Sam Tucker, Nathan Tucker, Aly Parker, Gabi & Joe Newton and Miki Parker; five brothers: Russell Tucker, Joe Tucker, Marshall Tucker, Herman Tucker, and Elisha David Tucker; and five sisters: Brenda Love, Marilyn Rogers, Wanda Spires, Susie Allen, and Ann Rowell. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years: Marion V. Tucker; his step-mother: Dorothy T. Tucker; and a brother: Donnie Tucker.