Obituary of Bill Tucker

Bill Tucker, age 71, passed away peacefully at his home in Leesburg, surrounded by his family, Monday, December 21. Robert was born October 8, 1944 in Fort Benning, Georgia. Robert served in the US Army's 25th Division "Tropic Lightning" during the Vietnam War. He survived the overrunning of Cu Chi Base Camp during the Tet Offensive and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism during his service. After his military service Robert wed Leslie Wimberly in Dallas, Texas on November 13, 1970; together they would raise two children, Ben and Erin. Mr. Tucker was an avid outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed forestry, in which he had a lengthy career as a Texas Certified Nurseryman growing wholesale shade and ornamental trees and crape myrtles. Aside from serving his nation, Robert also believed in serving his community, by which he was a volunteer fireman in Cash, Texas for about 8 years. During that time he served as the Assistant Chief where he was a first responder with ECA, fire, and water search-and-rescue training. Upon moving to the Leesburg area, he was highly involved in activities of the North East Texas Forest Landowners Assocation (NETFLA) and in the Camp County Republican Party. He served as an election judge for a few years. He was a past board member in the Leesburg Cemetery Association. Above all he was a devoted husband, father, brother and dear friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Leslie Tucker; his son: Ben Tucker and wife Jonetta, of Simpsonville; a daughter: Erin Tucker Emery, of Tyler; a brother: Trent Tucker; two sisters: Lynne Shaner and Brooke Oestreick; as well as many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Gerald M. and Eloise Bilby Tucker; step-mother: Deeon U. Tucker; and brother: Harold Martin Tucker. A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 2, at Erman Smith Funeral Home.