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Richard Tillman Tucker, age 84, of Monticello, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025. He was born on January 4, 1941, in Coleman, Arkansas, to the late Otis and Bama King Tucker.
Richard graduated from Drew Central High School in 1958 and went on to serve his country as an Army Veteran during the Korean War. He retired from Burlington Industries after 30 years of service as a Supply Purchase Manager. Richard was a member of Pleasant Springs Baptist Church in Coleman, Arkansas where he became a Christian. He was also a dedicated Master Mason of the Eureka Masonic Lodge #40.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary Parish Tucker, as well as his parents, Otis and Bama Tucker, his brothers Mitchell, Roland, Dennis, and Larry, and his sisters Hazel Haroman and Maurene McKenzie.
He is survived by his three children: Cindy Akin (Robert) of Monticello, Lori White (Kevin) of Eads, TN, and Chris Tucker (Carrie) of Tonitown, AR. Richard is also survived by five granddaughters, Britni Akin, Kinsley Akin Vickers (Hunter), Haylee Burton, Jane, Mae, and Ruby Tucker; two step-grandsons, Chase and Carter White; and two great-grandsons, Boston Akin and Shepherd Vickers.
Richard was a man who lived life to the fullest, with a passion for family, friends, and the outdoors. He and his wife Mary shared a love for gardening and enjoyed spending time together in nature. He was a fixture at the Barkada Hunting Club during deer season, where he relished the camaraderie of friends and family. Richard also had a special fondness for Razorback sports and was never afraid to “Call Those Hogs”.
Known to his grandchildren as “Pepaw,” Richard adored spending time with them. He was always up to playing the part of whatever role his granddaughters worked up for him - the beloved customer at the grocery store, the model at the beauty parlor, or the misbehaving student at the schoolhouse. He was their favorite playmate - always ready to join in a game of “Mother May I” or “Red Light, Green Light”. For his family, Richard was the roar of laughter at the end of the table of every family game night.
He was a man who believed in the power of laughter and joy, and he certainly never considered himself too grown up for a bit of fun. Christmas was his favorite time of year, and he still searched the skies every Christmas Eve with the wonder of a child. Richard also loved music and believed himself to be the closest thing Monticello ever had to a “real” Elvis impersonator. He couldn’t resist tapping his finger to the beat of any great song and, on occasion, trying to sing along - though the results were often more amusing than tuneful.
Even in his later years, when his memory started to fade, his humor and love for life remained constant. Richard's most recent distinction was being named the Valentine’s Day King at Belle View Estates, a recognition of his enduring charm and infectious spirit.
The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to those who supported Richard in his transition from this life to eternal life with Jesus. Your kindness and care have meant the world to us.
A graveside service for friends and family will be held at Oakland Cemetery on Thursday, April 10th, at 2:00 PM. There will be a visitation Wednesday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. We invite those who knew and loved Richard to join us as we honor his memory. You can sign Richard’s guestbook registry on this website.
Richard’s legacy will live on in the many smiles he collected throughout his life and the hearts of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Richard graduated from Drew Central High School in 1958 and went on to serve his country as an Army Veteran during the Korean War. He retired from Burlington Industries after 30 years of service as a Supply Purchase Manager. Richard was a member of Pleasant Springs Baptist Church in Coleman, Arkansas where he became a Christian. He was also a dedicated Master Mason of the Eureka Masonic Lodge #40.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary Parish Tucker, as well as his parents, Otis and Bama Tucker, his brothers Mitchell, Roland, Dennis, and Larry, and his sisters Hazel Haroman and Maurene McKenzie.
He is survived by his three children: Cindy Akin (Robert) of Monticello, Lori White (Kevin) of Eads, TN, and Chris Tucker (Carrie) of Tonitown, AR. Richard is also survived by five granddaughters, Britni Akin, Kinsley Akin Vickers (Hunter), Haylee Burton, Jane, Mae, and Ruby Tucker; two step-grandsons, Chase and Carter White; and two great-grandsons, Boston Akin and Shepherd Vickers.
Richard was a man who lived life to the fullest, with a passion for family, friends, and the outdoors. He and his wife Mary shared a love for gardening and enjoyed spending time together in nature. He was a fixture at the Barkada Hunting Club during deer season, where he relished the camaraderie of friends and family. Richard also had a special fondness for Razorback sports and was never afraid to “Call Those Hogs”.
Known to his grandchildren as “Pepaw,” Richard adored spending time with them. He was always up to playing the part of whatever role his granddaughters worked up for him - the beloved customer at the grocery store, the model at the beauty parlor, or the misbehaving student at the schoolhouse. He was their favorite playmate - always ready to join in a game of “Mother May I” or “Red Light, Green Light”. For his family, Richard was the roar of laughter at the end of the table of every family game night.
He was a man who believed in the power of laughter and joy, and he certainly never considered himself too grown up for a bit of fun. Christmas was his favorite time of year, and he still searched the skies every Christmas Eve with the wonder of a child. Richard also loved music and believed himself to be the closest thing Monticello ever had to a “real” Elvis impersonator. He couldn’t resist tapping his finger to the beat of any great song and, on occasion, trying to sing along - though the results were often more amusing than tuneful.
Even in his later years, when his memory started to fade, his humor and love for life remained constant. Richard's most recent distinction was being named the Valentine’s Day King at Belle View Estates, a recognition of his enduring charm and infectious spirit.
The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to those who supported Richard in his transition from this life to eternal life with Jesus. Your kindness and care have meant the world to us.
A graveside service for friends and family will be held at Oakland Cemetery on Thursday, April 10th, at 2:00 PM. There will be a visitation Wednesday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. We invite those who knew and loved Richard to join us as we honor his memory. You can sign Richard’s guestbook registry on this website.
Richard’s legacy will live on in the many smiles he collected throughout his life and the hearts of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.