Deacon Robert James

Tucker

Deacon Robert James Tucker, Sr., was born on December 4, 1936, in Linden, Alabama, the second-born child of Sam and Pauline Tucker. A proud product of Unity Baptist Church, he accepted Christ at an early age and began a lifelong journey of faithful service. He attended Linden High School before completing his high school education at Scott High School in Toledo, Ohio.

From an early age, Robert's strong work ethic was evident. He began working as a babysitter and later at Piggly Wiggly, where he was promoted to Produce Manager as a teenager. During his high school years, he met the love of his life, Ida Mae. The two were united in holy matrimony in 1954, beginning a devoted partnership that would anchor their family for decades. From this union were born six children: LaVern, Robert James Jr., Paula, Paul, Patricia, and Shari-Sha.

In 1955, seeking greater opportunities, Robert relocated from Alabama to Toledo, Ohio. He began working at Spieker Construction as a bricklayer, dedicating nearly seven years to the trade. Never one to remain idle, he also worked part-time at Memorial Lutheran Church. He later transitioned to Toledo Public Schools, where he built a distinguished 35-year career, rising from maintenance worker to Supervisor of Building Maintenance for the entire district. Even after retirement, his commitment to service continued through a part-time maintenance position with the Leona Group, where he worked an additional ten years before fully retiring.

Shortly after arriving in Toledo, Robert and Ida Mae joined Friendly Missionary Baptist Church in 1956, when the congregation was meeting at the Indiana YMCA. He was ordained as a Deacon soon thereafter and faithfully served for more than 60 years. As Church Treasurer and Chairman of the Deacon Board, he was known for his integrity, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to God's house.

Deacon Tucker found joy in fishing and took meticulous pride in caring for his garden, his flowers, and especially his church. His hands were rarely still, and his heart was always committed to serving others.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Pauline (Thomas) Tucker, brothers, Sam Jr., Clinton, William and Charles Tucker, son, Robert James Tucker, Jr (Laurie) and granddaughter Semeion Nobles. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, sweetheart and soul mate of 71 years, Ida Mae (Little) Tucker; his living children, LaVern (Craig deceased) Copeland, Paula Tucker, Paul (Julianne) Tucker, Patricia (Walter) Nobles, Shari-Sha Tucker; one and only sister whom he adored, Betty Joe Tucker-Smith, dear youngest brother Renard (Pee Wee) Tucker, favorite sister-in-love Lena Vallian, dear brother-in-love, Lorenzo Bodie, beloved cousins Betty Jean McNeal, Irma Morrow, Rodean Rowser and Cynthia Carter, cousin-in-love Senobia Nelson, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; extended family; church family; and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his presence.

The Tucker family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to extended family and friends who have expressed God's Love through prayers, words of encouragement, flowers and food. We continue to be strengthened by your acts of kindness and service. We would also like to thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the compassionate care given to our beloved husband and dad during the last week of his earthly life. May The Lord Abundantly Bless and Keep You All!