John Howard Tucker

John Howard Tucker, 79, died peacefully at his home on January 2, 2022, after a lengthy, arduous battle with Parkinson's Disease. 

John held many titles in life but the one he was most proud of was Father.  He was a husband and a man of faith, a caring soul who was elated his two girls grew up to be active in their communities and within charitable organizations, as well as successful professionals (in that order).  This pleased him SO!  John was a Navy man, a proud Veteran who served during the Vietnam War (1966-70), and had his sights set on building a family with his wife Susie and going to college for engineering. He fulfilled both goals, welcoming two daughters, and graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1974.

As a Navy couple, moving wasn't new to John and Susie and that would help shape their lives after the family became whole in 1973. John became an engineer with General Electric. Not long after, his travels would take the family a few places. First, to Charlottesville, VA, where one of his proudest accomplishments was building a home for his family with cherished friends' sons whom he held close in his heart. He would recall those memories often. The family called it "Brandy Run" after their only dog.  It wouldn't be long after that John's job with GE called for a move to Puerto Rico, where John introduced his family to a different culture and community that started a new chapter and yielded some of their most cherished memories.  

In 1989, the family settled in North Carolina and John eventually retired to a life of service to his community. He enjoyed working closely with their HOA and various other organizations until his illness didn't allow it. He helped lead Bible studies at Apex Baptist Church which cultivated friendships with other men who became a great circle of support for a while. That connection came full circle at the end of his life when he met someone from the same group who brought him comfort and joy.  

These are the things that meant so much to John: family, faith, community, integrity.  While the disease slowly robbed him of his hobbies, he enjoyed a variety during his life. John loved to dance and was a competitive dancer with his wife for many years while their girls were very little. He still had the most hydrated golf ball on the course. Was there another hobby after GOLF? Is checking in on your adult daughters a hobby? And he loved to bake! John could make a mouth-watering pie or cobbler.

Fun facts: 

·         He absolutely LOVED Def Leppard's ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ - he always turned it up on the car radio;

·         He had a beautiful voice and could really carry a tune, but maybe not ‘80s metal;

·         When he and his brothers were in grade school a bully made fun of his twin brother Jerry, who was born with a birth defect, John and his brothers took that bully’s pants off and ran them up the flagpole; 

·         He convinced Susie that Holly should be allowed a kitten at 10 years old; now all family members have cats and adopt;

·         John made very strong bonds with animals and tried to save many during his lifetime;

·         Because of his rare blood type, he donated regularly;

·         He took Heather to her first concert, in Puerto Rico, and encouraged both girls to grow their love for music and culture;

·         John loved taking his family to amusement parks and reveled in riding roller coasters, always yelling ‘Freefall!’ from the top of the first hill, adding to the fun yet mounting anxiety of everyone;

·         He loved sports, particularly baseball, and was an avid Red Sox fan. This led to many heated exchanges with his daughters - both Yankees fans;

·         One of his favorite poets was Robert Frost, and he helped Heather memorize ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ for an elementary school class;

·         John earned a nickname during a family trip to Kiawah Island in the ‘80s that he never lived down: ‘Sgt. Bearings’ - for his unbelievably inaccurate approach to directions on land.  

Traveling on sea was a different story. His love for the oceans, which prompted his decision to enter the U.S. Navy,  

and his desire to be around the calmness of the water will be a way the family honors his life forever.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Neely Tucker and Virginia Mae Tucker; and his brothers, Jerry and Woody. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley "Susie" Tucker; his daughters, Heather Renee Tucker and Holly Michelle Tucker; his beloved cat, Girasole aka: G-man; brother Doug Tucker; sisters Diane Tucker and Debbie Cox; nephews Steven, Matthew, Douglas (‘Bubba’); nieces Christine, Stacey, Tammy, Emily and Crystal.

While John did not have any grandchildren he often spoke to how many great friends his daughters had and how special these loving relationships had been to him.  Holly has three Godchildren by Nicola Ladner.  The past two summers as well as numerous visits brought "Papa John '' much joy, big hugs and VERY important knowledge of Harry Potter and dinosaurs.  His eyes lit up the moment he could hear them in the room. John also especially enjoyed his loving relationship with Holly's partner in life John Boy. Sharing given names, John Boy often referred to Holly's Dad as "Big John".  John always looked forward to spending time with Holly and John at their home in Durham. 

His wife Susie and daughters were his primary caregivers and are grateful for the special time this gave them with John in his final years. They wish to thank some of the staff at Transitions Hospice Care: Dr. Singh, nurses Genevieve, Fran and Lisa. The ”VIP" CNA from Transitions was Barbara Hill they developed a special bond.  He cherished his time with Barbara, their fun jokes and nicknames for each other.  Nurse Randy also honorable mention, for his very long visit on one particular Saturday morning in November; the loving guidance and prayer with Betsy Undercofler; and Veteran volunteers Roger and Jim.  Also, some special individuals at the Durham VA Medical Center: Corie Simanowski, Dr. Donoway and Christy Knight.  The family also would like to extend VERY special thanks to Ms. Vickie Smith who was the pillar of his evening care team since 2012 and brought much humor and loving comfort. 

Plans for a celebration of life will be announced at a later time, but please be aware that it will be on TUCKER TIME. (If you know, you know).

In lieu of flowers, memorials or contributions in John’s honor may be made to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and Operation Hat Trick.