William Everett Tucker

William Everett Tucker, Sr., 82, of Payneway died Monday, Oct. 9, 2006, at his home after a lengthy illness.

Tucker was born March 15, 1924, in Fulton, Miss. to Esker Wilce and Ivy Casiday Tucker. His parents were two of the pioneering families to settle in the Payneway community, formerly known as Harrisburg Corner. He attended Marked Tree school system until entering the United States Army to serve in General George Patton's 6th Armored Division in World War II. He served as a ring gunner on a Sherman Tank and was injured in that capacity.

He came home to Arkansas, where he met and married the former Betty Jean Phillips on Dec. 28, 1947, who survives him. They celebrated 58 of marriage in 2005.

Tucker was employed by Featherston's Meat Market, Inc., until he retired. He was an avid gardener, deer hunter, fisherman and enjoyed his role as a Mulligan Stew, Bar-b-cue, coon supper chef for special family gatherings and community events. He attended Centerview Methodist Church and Corner's Chapel Baptist Church in Payneway.

Survivors include his wife; four children: William Everett Tucker, Jr. M.D. of Little Rock, DyAnne Tucker Scott of Conway, Richard Thomas Tucker of Jonesboro and Charles Robert Tucker of Marked Tree; one brother: Dean Tucker of Marked Tree; and one special sister, Ellen Tucker of Payneway; eight grandchildren: Betsy Tucker Swoboda of Knoxville, Tenn., Sarah Beth Scott Stabala of Cabot, Erica Scott Lemieux of Katterbach, Germany, Kyle Cook of Fayetteville, Christy Thompson and Brandon Cook, both of Jonesboro, and Zachary Hatley and Jordan Tucker, both of Marked Tree; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends from all walks of like and corners of the earth.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Wayne Tucker and T.D. "Dick" Tucker; and one sister, Olean Mills.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11 under the direction of Murphy Funeral Home of Marked Tree with Reverend George Fink and Reverend Patrick Tucker officiating.

Pallbearers were Bob Bertrand, George Willoughby, Larry Whitton, Steve Jernigan, Jerry Teague and Donald Blagg.

The family requests memorials be sent to St. Bernard's Hospice, 2813 Forest Home Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401.