Elmer Tucker

Elmer Samuel "Buddy" Tucker Jr., 86, of East Brainerd, died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in a local hospital. He was a lifelong resident of East Brainerd and a faithful member and supporter of Gospel Way Baptist Church in Ringgold, Ga. Mr. Tucker was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 95, a Mason with and a member of the Worley Mason's Temple of East Ridge and Lifetime member of the VFW. Buddy was an electrician with the I.B.E.W. local 175 since 1946 till his retirement in 1992. Buddy served in the United States Navy during W.W. II as a Bolsum mate on the USS Valeria (aka) 48 sub chasers and amphibian carrier, and the USS LC 1349. After World War II he served out his military time in the Great Lakes, with an honorable discharge during his service time. He held an amateur middle class boxing title in the South Pacific and golden glove; Buddy was a very proud veteran and loved his country to the uttermost. He was preceded in death by his parents, E. S. Tucker, Sr. and Virgie Leona McJunkin; brother, James H. Tucker, sister, Janie Violetta Stitt, son, Stephen Gary Tucker and his children's mother, Dorothy Christina McDowell. His hobby was the love of horses. He would take his family on wagon trains, go fishing with his family, travel, camp and hunting with the boys. Survivors include; wife of 28 years, Nellie Ruth Tucker, son David (Wanda) Tucker of Harrison, daughter, Cecelia Christina (Tucker) Davis of Harrison, grandchildren, Samuel Eugene "Toby" (Dixie) Tucker of Rossville, Joseph Daniel Tucker of Chattanooga, Vanessa (Anthony) Thomason of Harrison, C.J. (Mika) Davis of Dunlap, Brian (Kim) Tucker of Harrison. 8 great grandchildren that loved their Paw-Paw "Elmo". Brothers, William Eugene Tucker of Chatsworth, Robert Luther Tucker of Birchwood and several nieces and nephew. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Monday February 17, 2014 at the Gospel Way Baptist Church in Ringgold, Ga., with Pastor Lamar Dietz, Brother Harold Swaggerty and Ray Walker, officiating. The interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery with Military honors presented. His beloved grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons of Gospel Way Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project 223 Rosa L. Parks Ave. Suite 301 Nashville, TN 37203. Visit www. heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute. The family will receive friendstoday 2-5 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home 7454 East Brained Road.