Willie F. “Tuck” Tucker Jr.

Willie Frank “Tuck” Tucker, Jr., was born October 12, 1943 in Louisville, Kentucky to the late Willie Sr and Lillie (Roberts) Tucker.

Willie attended Columbus Public Schools and graduated from South High. He developed a strong work ethic at a young age carrying the Columbus Citizen Journal in the morning and delivering the Columbus Dispatch in the evening. Then he went to work for Martins Jewish Grocery store as a stock clerk until he graduated.

After graduation he moved to East Chicago, Indiana to live with his father and worked in the US Steel Mill. Later, he returned to Columbus and worked at Martins grocery as a stock clerk and delivery driver until he became gainfully employed with Columbus Transit Authority (COTA). He drove for six years and then became a Division Supervisor. He retired from COTA with 40 plus years where he was loved and truly missed.

Willie married his teenage sweetheart Phylliss Payne and they had 4 children – Michael, Marsha, Melvin and Maurice. They courted for 5 years, married on April 29, 1967. They had 53 years of marriage and a total of 58 years together. His nephew Tyson always said there is no Willy without Philly and no Philly without Willy.

Tuck was a lot of fun to be around and there was never a dull moment with him. He loved his family and was always taking them fishing, camping, boating, to amusement parks and cruises. He never turned down any of the neighborhood kids that wanted to go with us. They loved him. Willie was family oriented and everyone knew he was there for them if they needed him. He had a heart of gold.

Willie accepted Christ at a very early age. He was an active member of the Mt. Vernon AME church until his health began to fail him. Willie served on the trustee board, security team and sang in the male and regeneration choir. Outside of the church he sang with the Ecumen, Spiritual Tones and the Rainbow Crusaders. He was well known for his singing ability and he loved singing for God. Everyone loved to hear him sing and whistle because his whistling sounded like he was singing.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother- Louise Tucker his grandparents – Nelson and Susie Tucker, brothers – Raymond and Tommy Tucker, Sister – Luevada Tucker-Mahone, Father in law – Emmons Payne, Mother in laws -Irene Payne and Betty Payne, Brother in laws – David Payne, Timothy Washington, Morris Pettis, and Reginal Mahone, Sister in laws – Bernice Pettis and Barbara Payne, Grandson – Seth Clayborn, Nephews – Talbert Townsel, Lamont, Larry, Tyson Tucker and Markio Washington and Niece – Nicole Tucker and 11 Uncles and 11 Aunts.

Willie is survived by beloved wife – Phylliss Tucker, Sons – Michael(Karen)Tucker, Melvin, Maurice(Trina) Tucker, Daughter – Marsha(Stev’n) Clayborn, Sister – Cynthia Franks, Sister in laws – Patricia Tucker-Welch, Cheryl Tucker, Shirley(Charles)Rhodes, Sharon Washington, Shirley Payne, Brother in laws – Paul(Amanda) Payne, Emmons(Shirley) Payne, Uncles – James(Betty) Tucker, Roosevelt(Ada) Tucker Aunt – Luella Hodnett, 17 grandchildren, 5 greatgrandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and host of other relatives and friends. Special friends – Arnette Brogdon, Karl Harris, James Crowder, Mr. and Mrs. Burns and Mac Williams. Tony Martin and Robert Strong (Cousin)

Public Visitation 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM; Private Visitation 10:30 AM and Private Funeral Service 11:00 AM Saturday, October 10, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.

Masks and Social Distancing are required.

Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.