Rexford Francis Tucker

Rexford “Rex” Francis Tucker, 94, of Carolina Meadows, Chapel Hill, NC, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 28, 2024, at UNC Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was surrounded by love with his two devoted sons at his bedside. Rex was born October 25, 1929, in Madison, NJ, to the late Rexford Sample Tucker and Eva Alsen Tucker. He was preceded in death by his brother, Allen Rexford Tucker.

Rex graduated in 1951 from Oberlin College, majoring in Sociology (distinguished honors). Answering the call to ministry, Rex attended Yale Divinity School; his mentor was the theologian, H. Richard Niebuhr. Rex graduated with a Masters of Sacred Theology (highest honors) from YDS in 1954 and served as pastor for 6 years of a Methodist church in Schaghticoke, NY. Rex’s calling evolved to religious education, and he entered graduate school at Drew University.

After completing graduate coursework, Rex moved to Rocky Mount, NC, in 1966 for a faculty position at North Carolina Wesleyan College as professor of Religion and Sociology, including teaching Comparative Religious Studies and Christian Ethics. Rex soon met Rosa Lee Brake Dell, and her son, Christopher Hopkins Dell. Rex and Rosa Lee married July 6, 1968. They had a son, David Rexford Tucker. In 1970, Rex completed his dissertation, earning his PhD from Drew. Across 29 years at NCWC, Rex inspired many young students, and in 1994 was awarded Exemplary Teacher of the Year. He retired in 1995, honored as Professor Emeritus.

In 1998, Rex and Rosa Lee moved to Fearrington Village. They were active in the community, enjoyed the outdoors, and traveled extensively. In 2008, they relocated to Carolina Meadows. Rex was passionate about music, singing in many choral groups and often playing the piano. He officiated at numerous weddings and memorials, and assisted at Methodist church services.

Rex is survived by his wife, Rosa Lee; son, Christopher and wife Denise Dell, and grandchildren Matthew and Maggie Dell; his son, David, and wife Christine Trainello, and step-grandson Alex Huslage; and his brothers Ralph B. Tucker and Richard P. Tucker and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the devoted staff of UNC Health Care, Carolina Meadows, and Wisdom Senior Care for their long care of Rex.

His memorial service will be at Carolina Meadows, 2:00 pm, Friday, April 12, 2024, in the Lecture Hall of the Activities Building; reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Rexford Francis and Rosa Lee Tucker Scholarship Fund at North Carolina Wesleyan University (https://ncwu.edu/give/).

Services are provided by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC 27605.