Stanley Tucker 82, of Ocilla, Georgia, died Sunday, July 6, 2025, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 3 PM, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Jeff Cummings and the Rev. Dr. Mark Spence. Interment will follow in the Mystic Cemetery, in Mystic, Georgia. The family will receive friends, from 1 PM until 3 PM, at the funeral home in Fitzgerald on Wednesday before the services.
Mr. Tucker was born May 14, 1943, in Telfair County, Georgia, to the late Lee Andrew & Nora Rachel Stone Tucker. He was a lifelong farmer, from the early age of 7 years old. Mr. Tucker served a total commitment of six years in the United States Army, two years active duty from November 1964 to October 1966; and, thereafter, four years of reserve duty. During his military service he achieved the rank of Specialist E-5. Following basic training, he attended and completed artillery training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was certified as a Field Artillery Rocket Specialist in the MOS assignment of 13D2N (nuclear). Following artillery training, Mr. Tucker served more than a year and half near Wackernheim, Germany during the “Cold War” years assigned to B Battery, 1st Battalion, 28th Artillery USARSEVEN (Europe) as a “Tactical Nuclear Launch Specialist.” In that location his unit served as a defensive force opposite the Soviet Union armor forces “build-up” in East Germany. Not only did the Veteran drive the Launcher Vehicle, but he was also the only member of his immediate unit with the required training; and authority, to arm and launch the unit’s nuclear tipped missiles in the event of war. Special recognitions Mr. Tucker received for his dedicated and honorable military service include the National Defense Service Medal, the Expert Rifle Medal, three Over-Seas Duty Bars; and, the U. S. Army’s Good Conduct Medal. He loved the Lord and working the land, playing softball and later in life some golf, quail and dove hunting with his dogs, and being in the outdoors. He formerly coached little league and also enjoyed watching his children play sports. Mr. Tucker was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of Irwinville Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy Cantrell Tucker of Ocilla; his children and their spouses: Crystal Tucker Ford & Allen of Colbert and Alex Shane Tucker & Jodie of Richmond Hill; his grandchildren: Hunter Kilgore, Mason Kilgore, Fisher Kilgore, Spencer Tucker, Shane Tucker, Georgia Tucker and Annabelle Tucker; sisters: Juanita Woods of Tifton, Annie Faye Tunali of Atlanta, Nora J. & Cecil Cox of Fitzgerald, and Dianne & Gene Brown of Fitzgerald; brothers: Roger L. & Joan Tucker of Mystic, Billy Ray & Marilyn Tucker of Warner Robins and James & Diane Tucker of Fitzgerald; along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and their spouses: Russell & Margaret Tucker, Ralph Tucker, and Frank T. “Smitty” & Doris Smith.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries, 9420 Blackshear Hwy SE, Baxley, GA 31513.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.