William “Billy” Henry Tucker Jr. entered into eternal rest on June 21, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas with his sister and brother-in-law by his side.
He was born on December 22, 1954, in Williamsburg, Virginia to William H. Tucker Sr. and the late Mary Helen Tucker.
At an early age, he was baptized at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and sang in the church choir. Growing up, he was affectionately known by family and friends as “Billy”. He attended Lafayette High School (Rams) in Williamsburg, Virginia, and was involved in numerous sports. He played varsity basketball, football, and ran track before graduating with the class of 1974. Billy had a passion for working on his cars. Having no formal training on car repairs, it was nothing unusual for the family
At an early age, he was baptized at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and sang in the church choir. Growing up, he was affectionately known by family and friends as “Billy”. He attended Lafayette High School (Rams) in Williamsburg, Virginia, and was involved in numerous sports. He played varsity basketball, football, and ran track before graduating with the class of 1974. Billy had a passion for working on his cars. Having no formal training on car repairs, it was nothing unusual for the family to find him under the hood with a car manual open trying to repair the car himself. Nine times out of ten, he was successful. His other enjoyment was fishing which he loved doing in his free time away from work.
to find him under the hood with a car manual open trying to repair the car himself. Nine times out of ten, he was successful. His other enjoyment was fishing which he loved doing in his free time away from work.
After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and Fort Riley, Kansas. Billy retired as a Sergeant First Class (E-7) after 22 faithful years of honorable service in the Infantry field. During his time in the military, he earned numerous achievements and medals. Upon his military retirement, he took on a second career serving as a manager at the Foot Locker Distribution Center in Junction City, Kansas for 26 years before his passing.
He enjoyed listening to Old School R&B such as Kool & The Gang, Smokey Robinson, O’Jays, and Jazz music. Some of his childhood favorite television shows were Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Lost in Space, The Munsters, and Gomer Pyle. Billy was such a picky eater that he basically lived off of Pork ‘n’ beans and franks, which he ate almost everyday.
He was generous to his family and will be missed and remembered by all who knew and loved him, but we find comfort in knowing that he is now resting in the arms of Jesus Christ.
Billy is preceded in death by his son Maurice O’brien Tucker; sister Doris O’Reda Tucker; maternal grandmother Mary Lucy Tyler; and paternal grandparents Thomas and Elizabeth Tucker.
He leaves to cherish his fond memories, wife Kathy Tucker; daughter, Kierra Tucker; step-son, Cal Cunningham; step-daughter, Jill Cunningham; step-granddaughter, Mariah Hollie; step-grandson, Jackson Hollie; father, William H. Tucker Sr; sister, Karen Tucker-Alexander (Harry); nephew, Harry Tucker; aunt, Cheryl White; great aunts, Myrtle Chapman (James) and Elizabeth Tyler; great uncle, Charles Tyler; Bryon Ashlock whom he loved like a little brother; and a host of relatives, and friends.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at noon on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.
