Carroll M. Tucker

Carroll M. Tucker, 71, passed away from complications from an acute illness Sunday, November 20, 2016, at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas. The funeral service is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 27, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 515 Columbus Ave., Waco, TX 76701. A fellowship will follow afterward. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m., Saturday, November 26, at 2725 Mountainview Drive, Waco, TX 76710. Carroll Tucker, “Tucker” to his friends and “T-top” to his family, was born in Hobbs, New Mexico. His perseverance and spirit were defined at the age of twelve when he survived a car accident but was told he may not walk again. In this defining moment, he learned that indeed he could fight his way through life’s adversities. After walking out of the hospital, he literally ran through life and ultimately played high school and college football. During summer breaks, he “rough-necked” in the oil fields and deemed it his “motivation for higher education.” He met the love of his life, Retha Mae Oxley, at Taylor Street Church of Christ in Hobbs, and married her on August 14, 1965. Later, he graduated from Western New Mexico University and began a career teaching high school math and coaching football and track, where he touched the lives of many young men and women. His final career path took him from a sales agent for Farm Bureau Insurance to Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. Those who knew and loved Tucker easily recognized his “larger than life” personality and natural leadership. He brought laughter and chaos to every situation. He cared greatly about those whom he served through the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Meals on Wheels. Just as he strived to be successful in business, he dedicated his life to being the best husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved and supported his wife of 52 years, while actively being a role-model to both of his daughters. He enjoyed having a strong presence in all of his grandchildren’s lives, traveling to Tennessee for golf tournaments, baseball games, volleyball games, dance recitals, pageants, graduations, weddings, and births. If his grandchildren were involved, he was determined to be there. Our T-top, patriarch of this family, taught each of us how to live, laugh, and love. He is forever the heart and soul of our family. Tucker is preceded in death by his father, Carroll M. Tucker; his mother, Travis Tucker; and his three sisters, Valmeta Wisdom, Wiletta Isom, and Arvella Lauderback. Carroll Marion Tucker is survived by his wife, Retha Mae Tucker; his eldest daughter, Kimberly Diane Wendland and husband, Wes; his youngest daughter, Tammy Lyn Sutton and husband, Terry; his grandchildren: Chad Holden Tucker Sutton and wife, Courtney; Dana Stephanie Marlow and husband, Andrew, and Trevor Wayne Sutton; and his great-grandchildren: Tristan Michael Andrew Marlow and baby on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Travis Tucker and wife, Debby; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rollin Khoury, Larry Hawkins, Wes Wendland, Terry Sutton, Chad Sutton, and Trevor Sutton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meals and Wheels, 501 West Waco Dr, Waco TX 76707. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.