Charles Ray Tucker, 72, of Dayton, TN, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, April 25, 2015.
Ray was born in Graysville on June 12, 1942 to the late William and Martha (Crawley) Tucker.
Ray was a lifelong resident of Rhea County and a graduate of Rhea Central High School, Class of 1960. Ray served his country with the US Navy serving in Vietnam. He retired from TVA as a supervisor after 37 years of employment. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and bicyclist, having once ridden his bike to Florida. He was a member of the Boilermakers Union Local 454 and a long time member of the Sale Creek Church of God where he had served as a Sunday school teacher.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Loretta (Knox) Tucker of Dayton; two daughters, Angie (Rob) Bybee of Horse Cave, KY and Gena (fiancee’ Teddy Stephens) Tucker of Philadelphia, PA; his son, Billy Tucker of Dayton; his brother, Rodger (Martha Jo) Tucker of Graysville; four grandchildren, Parker Bybee, Kristian (Justin) Hughes, Haley Tucker and Ethan Stephens; and great-granddaughter, Alyssa Hughes.
Funeral services for Ray will be held Tuesday, April 28 at 5 p.m. at the Sale Creek Church of God with his pastors, Rev. Terry Bolton and Bishop Kenneth Bolton officiating. He will be laid to rest in Rhea Memory Gardens with military honors followed by a white dove release.
The family is being cared for by the Vanderwall Funeral Home where they will receive friends Monday, April 27 after 5 p.m. and also at his church Tuesday, April 28 one hour before the funeral.