John Walter Tucker, Jr.

John Walter Tucker Jr. of Troup, Texas entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 16, 2024, at The Hospice of East Texas, Tyler after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born April 8, 1937, to parents, John Walter Tucker Sr. and Willie Mae Starnes Tucker.

John was a 1955 graduate of Troup High School and went on to study business at Southern Methodist University. After his studies at SMU, John went to work in the insurance field in various positions and eventually as a Medical Professional Liability Salesperson from which he retired after 40 years. John was a lifetime resident of Troup as well as an “unfortunate” 35 years residing in Houston.

While attending Troup High School, John met Wanda Faye Blackwell in 1952 at a Carlisle Halloween Carnival. On November 27, 1959, they were married, in spite of being from rival schools. To this union was born a son, J. Tracy Tucker

John was a member of several organizations including the Smith County Area Go Texan Committee, of which he was a founding member as well as a top salesman for raffle tickets providing scholarships to Smith County area students. He was also a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo serving 50 plus years providing scholarships to Texas students.

John was a lifetime member of the Troup Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Willie Tucker.

He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Wanda of Troup and son, J. Tracy Tucker of New York, New York.

Other survivors include: Cousins Trixie Starnes Beall, Dollie Starnes Bell, Wanda Johnson, Johnny (Melanie) Johnson, Brother-in-Law, Larry Blackwell (Suzanne), and Nephews, Luke (Ashley) Blackwell & Matt (Sarah) Blackwell as well as a host of friends.

Serving as Pallbearers: Dennis Alexander, Gailon Johnston, Don Graham,

Gary Hettenbach, Michael Bosworth, Lloyd Pierce, Jake Johnson, and Lane Quinney.

Graveside Service for John is at 10am, Tuesday August 20, 2024 at the Pinecrest Cemetery in Troup with a memorial service to follow at 11am at the Troup Methodist Church with the Reverend Tommy Earl Burton officiating.

If desired, donations may be made to the Troup Methodist Church 202 East Duval Troup Texas 75789 or to a charity of choice.

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