WILLIAM A. “BILL” TUCKER,

95, passed away on November 14, 2020. He was born in Guy, Ark., on August 25, 1925, to the late Nora (Sellers) and James Alvis Tucker. His parents died within months of each other when Bill was 14 and he and his two younger sisters went to live with eldest sister Atalea, whom they always regarded as a mother.

Bill was preceded in death by wife Betty Tucker; his first wife Cora Lea (Karber) Tucker, mother of his children; son Ronald C. Tucker; sisters Atalea Tanner, Melba Lane and Lois Jefchak, all of California, and brother Marvin Tucker of Michigan.

Survivors include son Gary Tucker and daughter, Marilyn Cuffman (Phillip), all of Maumelle; daughter-in-law Kaye Tucker of Benton; grandchildren, Jeff Tucker (Kay) of Shreveport, Trisha Betts (Russell) of Benton, Chris Youngblood (Amy) of Cabot, Daniel Youngblood (Lauren) of North Little Rock, and Spencer Cuffman of Little Rock. Great-grandchildren are Parker and Adam Betts, Alissa Tucker, Mary Rose, William, Jack Henry, and Anna Youngblood. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was a member of Central Baptist Church in North Little Rock where he sang in the senior choir. He greatly enjoyed his time in the choir and badly missed being able to attend church in recent years due to his health.

Bill served as a rifleman in the 104th Infantry Division (Timberwolves) during WWII, and was severely wounded while fighting in Belgium in November, 1944. This injury, primarily to his arm, was initially treated by a German surgeon, a POW, who was able to save the arm. Bill was hospitalized for 18 months as he recovered from his wounds and always credited God for his recovery and return to the U.S. He received numerous citations and medals for his service but was proudest of his Purple Heart. He was also very proud of his service to his country and would often attend gatherings of his WWII division.

After his recovery, Bill attended college on the G.I. Bill and graduated from Arkansas State Teacher’s College with a teaching degree, later obtaining a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. He began his teaching career in Quitman and Guy, moving to North Little Rock in 1960 to become a principal in the North Little Rock School District, a position from which he retired in 1987.

Bill enjoyed his retirement years and stayed busy and traveled a good deal. He took pleasure in maintaining a meticulous lawn and flower beds. He was an avid, lifelong Razorback and St. Louis Cardinals fan. His greatest pleasure, though, was playing his guitar and singing, recording his music for the enjoyment of family and friends.

A private service is being held by the family. All attendees are required to provide and wear a face mask. Interment will be at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery. Online guestbook is available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens