Thomas Dee Tucker

Thomas Dee Tucker passed away from this life on June 12, 2023 in Tyler, Texas. Tommy was born to John Wesley and Annie Lou Barton Tucker on October 26, 1932 in Clyde, Texas. He grew up the oldest of 7 children. When his father became ill as a fairly young man, Tommy quit school and with the aid of his uncle, Bee Tucker, helped his mother support the family as share-croppers. Consequently, he relinquished many opportunities as a young boy so he could work. He spoke of it seldom and considered it a great honor to provide for his family.

On August 12, 1954, he married Dorotha Ann Konczak and was devoted to her for 69 years.

He was born on the sunny side of life and was perpetually happy; however, he was happiest when he was outdoors. He was acutely aware of God’s creation surrounding him no matter where he was and spent much time pointing it out to others. Tommy was a lifelong deer hunter and looked forward to hunting with his sons, grandsons, and eventually great-grandsons each fall. He fished with his grandchildren and even made them a “Magic Square” where the best fishing was to be found. He was known for planting a huge vegetable garden each year, of which a large section was allocated to black-eyed peas, a family staple. When the kids were still at home, they learned alongside him, planting, hoeing and then harvesting the crops.

He was a very spiritual man and a faithful Catholic. Tommy loved people. He never met a stranger and talked easily to most everyone. He was a generous soul and put the dreams of others ahead of his own. He helped countless people behind the scenes never wanting recognition for it. He was a longtime member of the Lions Club and was passionate about getting eyeglasses for those in need. He worked several different jobs over the years, his last one was working in sales for Ashland Chemical Company. He made it a point to build relationships and get to know his customers and their stories thus becoming a top salesman in his division.

Tommy and Dorotha lived many years in Clyde, Texas where they raised their children, and Tommy served several terms on the Clyde City Council. After Dorotha retired, they moved to Ash Flat, Arkansas and Tommy continued working his sales territory for quite some time. Finally in 2004, they moved to Tyler to be closer to family. After retirement, he and Dorotha spent the winters in Mission, Texas where they made friends from all over the continent. There he was able to play dominoes to his heart’s content – something he never tired of.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Silas Tucker, James Tucker, Hugh Tucker, Wendell Tucker, Todd Tucker and sister Delores Haliburton.

He is survived by his wife, Dorotha; his children and their spouses: Robbie and Marsha Tucker, Tommie Ann and Mike Grinnell, Debbie and Mack Skinner, Pennye Rhodes, & Toby and Stephanie Tucker; 10 grandchildren: Tyson Tucker (Paige), Allison Skinner Cavazos (Robert), Amy Grinnell Epperson (Matt), Kirstin Tucker Stewart (Donn), Jacob Grinnell (Jordan), Travis Rhodes (Kate), Samuel Rhodes (Emma), Kaitlyn Tucker, Caden Tucker, Colt Tucker and 7 great grandchildren: Mason, Linley & Bennett Tucker, Charles Epperson, Joanna Rhodes, Hunter Stewart, and Henry Grinnell. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Wilora Tucker and Janece Tucker, numerous nieces and nephews, and Katy Barone who has been like a daughter for over 40 years.

Funeral mass will be at 1:30pm on Thursday, June 15th at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul in Tyler. Burial will be at the Clyde Catholic Cemetery Clyde, Texas on Friday, June 16th at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the following:

The Hospice of East Texas

4111 University Boulevard

Tyler, TX 75701

Texas A&M Foundation

401 George Bush Drive

College Station, TX 77840

Please designate COADC Tommy & Dorotha Tucker Family Scholarship in memo line

Clyde Catholic Cemetery

901 FM 2700

Clyde, TX 79510

Or the donor’s favorite charity.

The family would like to thank The Hospice of East Texas, UT Health East Texas EMS, & The Hamptons Senior Community for their tender care.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lloydjamesfuneralhome.com for the Tucker family.