Bennett D Tucker Sr.

Bennett Tucker Sr. passed away at home on Monday, December 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was deeply loved and respected by everyone who was lucky enough to know him during his 90 years, and he will be greatly missed. Bennett was born to B. D. Tucker and Pearl Adell Nelson Tucker in Elba, Alabama on February 16, 1934. His early days were spent in Opp, Alabama where he played sports and developed the physical skills that would allow him to be a standout 3-sport athlete for the Opp Bobcats. It was at Opp High School where he met Jeanie Weaver, the love of his life. Following his Senior season at Opp, he earned a football scholarship to Troy State University, where he was a standout 160-pound offensive guard. After 2 years at Troy, Bennett had a change of heart and, despite having had minimal instruction in math, decided to pursue a degree in civil engineering. His engineering career began in Tuscaloosa at the Alabama State Highway Department as a draftsman. He was encouraged by his boss to go to college, an encouragement evidenced by his wife Jeanie being given a job as a switchboard operator at the Highway Department so the young family could afford for Bennett to go to school. His enrollment that same week started Bennett’s lifelong love for The University of Alabama. He graduated in 1962, and began an engineering career that would ultimately see him become a Distinguished Fellow of the University of Alabama College of Engineering. He moved his family in 1963 to Montgomery to continue his work with the Highway Department. In 1967, Bennett and family moved to Gadsden, a city that would be his home for the rest of his life. He was Gadsden’s City Engineer from 1967 to 1971. Although Bennett moved the family to Pell City in the Fall of 1971 as he became a partner in a building supply/construction company, he ultimately led his family back to Gadsden and accepted the position of County Engineer in 1973. Still in Gadsden, he then worked for Troy E. Watford & Associates before he found his dream job, becoming a partner in the consulting engineering firm of Jones, Blair, Waldrup and Tucker. After a stellar career in Civil Engineering, Bennett retired at the age of 62. He volunteered countless hours in his post-retirement days helping others solve their engineering issues, or any other problem they faced. He later came out of retirement to work on the Blue Lakes development in Whorton Bend and also worked with Skipper Engineering on special projects.

Bennett was a servant-leader who served his family, Etowah County, the State of Alabama and his God with an energy not witnessed in many. Even more, he especially enjoyed working on special projects for his church, Meadowbrook Baptist Church. Serving as a Deacon, he was adept at being a role model for the youth in the church, often giving reasons why they should go study engineering at The University he cherished. He often played a role in helping students find scholarships to do just that.

Bennett loved The Alabama Crimson Tide. He attended games in Bryant Denny stadium and enjoyed every minute, except for the few times when the Tide lost. He never gave up on his team, even when they fell behind, and would explain to those watching with him how Bama would come back. He loved watching Tide basketball, baseball, and softball as well. He just loved watching Bama sports! If Alabama fielded a Tiddlywinks team, he would watch that team with the same fervency as a national championship football game. Well, almost!

It is difficult to think of Bennett without also thinking of his beloved wife, Jeanie. He credited his sweetheart Jeanie and her family for leading him to Jesus during his high school days and changing the trajectory of his life. From the day they were married, they have always been thought of fondly as Jeanie and Bennett, Mama and Daddy, and Maw and Paw. They were a team in every sense of the word and served as a wonderful example of a loving, Christian marriage to family and friends alike.

Bennett is survived by his son Dr. Bennett D. Tucker, Jr. (Dr. Susan), and daughters Amanda Tucker Cabaniss and Traci Tucker Dewar (Chuck). He is also survived by his grandchildren Christian Tucker (Lindsey), Carey Tucker (Brittany), Haley Tucker Bailey (Will), Patrick Schell (Diana), Alex Schell (Holly), Derek Dewar (Jessica), Chad Dewar, Jeanie Cabaniss, and great-grandchildren Maddie Tucker, Drew Tucker, Ellis Tucker, Mary Cameron Tucker, Warren Bailey, Savannah Schell, Sawyer Schell, Gavin Dewar, and Emma Dewar. Also surviving are brother Nelson Tucker (Betsy), and sister Dr. Mary Tucker. Survivors also include nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces, great-grand nephews and nieces, along with a host of cousins and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, B. D. and Pearl Adell Nelson Tucker, Sanford, Alabama; his brother Thomas Tucker, Huntsville, Alabama; his son-in-law Hoyt Dewayne Cabaniss II, Pelham, Alabama; and his beloved wife of 70 years, Martha Jean “Jeanie” Weaver Tucker.

Pallbearers are his grandsons Christian Tucker, Carey Tucker, Patrick Schell, Alex Schell, Derek Dewar, and Chad Dewar, and great-grandson Drew Tucker. Will Bailey and Will Pierce will also serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to thank special friend and caregiver Terry Keenum, and the staff of Amedysis Hospice, for their wonderful care during this time.

A celebration service of a life well-lived will be held Friday, 20 December at 2:00 p.m. at MeadowBrook Church, with visitation preceding from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Reverend Randy Gunter and Reverend Mike Neimi will officiate. Burial will be at Williams Southside Memorial Gardens. Collier-Butler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.