C.L. Tucker, 92, died Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at his home in McRae, GA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsa Wofford Tucker, in March of 2010. Funeral services will be held at 2:00P.M., Friday, March 23, in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with burial in Telfair Memorial Gardens. Visitation is 6:00-8:00P.M. Thursday.
He is survived by two daughters, Miriam Tucker Taylor (Jack), Seneca, SC and Kay Graham Kendrick (Jerry), McRae; two grandchildren, Tucker Graham (Heather) and Jenny Graham Best, both of McRae; and a great-grandchild, Lilly Elaine Graham, McRae.
C.L. Tucker was born in Irwin County, GA on May 17, 1919. He was the fourth and last surviving child of William Marvin and Miriam MacMillan Tucker. A decorated Army veteran of WWII, he fought in the European Theatre and took part in the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Tucker received five battle stars, a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for meritorious service and heroic duty in action. He was a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church, McRae. He served on the Board of Directors at the Security State Bank in McRae and the Farmers State Bank in Dublin, as well as the Bridges of Hope, a substance abuse center in Chauncey, GA.
After working for Southern Cotton Oil Company Division/Hunt Foods for 28 years, first in Tifton then in McRae, Mr. Tucker, at the age of 54, began his own business, Tucker Seed Co., Inc., in McRae. He was a member of the GA Seedsmen Association and the SE Seedsmen Association. In 2002 he was named to the GA Seedsmen Association Hall of Fame.
Memorials may be made to Bridges of Hope, 74 C.L. Tucker Dr., Chauncey, GA 31011 or to McRae Presbyterian Church, 70 College St., McRae, GA 31055.