(Retired) Major Larry Wayne Tucker

(Ret.) Major Larry Wayne Tucker passed away on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023, at the age of 84 in Lucedale, Mississippi. Although he was a native of Jackson, Mississippi, he was born on January 19th, 1939 in Union, Mississippi, to Clarence Edward Tucker and Annie Odell Evans.  He attended Union High School and graduated with the class of 1957. Later he went on to earn Associates degrees from East Central Junior College and a Bachelor's degree from Mississippi College.  It was after college when he married his fourth grade sweetheart, Beth Savell.

Following his graduation, (Ret.) Major Tucker joined the United States Marines Corp where he served for four years before transferring to the United States Army Infantry Division where he became an officer and retired with the rank of Major. His military service was a source of great pride for him and was always one to give back to the next generation.  (Ret.) Major Tucker accomplished much throughout his life.

In 1981, (Ret.) Major Tucker began as an Instructor of JROTC at Wingfield, Brandon, Florence, and Meridian High Schools for twenty years before retiring. Notably, in between his time spent serving his country and teaching future generations of students about patriotic duty and discipline like himself, (Ret.) Major Tucker also found time to be a MS High School and Jr College football referee.

Throughout his long life (Ret.) Major Larry Wayne Tucker touched countless peoples' lives while embodying dedication to country and service with every step he took along the way. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Annie Tucker; his wife, Beth Savell Tucker; sons, David Wayne and Darrin Layne Tucker.

(Ret.) Major Tucker's memory will be cherished by those close to him including: daughter, Lisa (Marc) Tucker Mitchell; daughter-in-law, Katie Davis Tucker; granddaughter Lauryn "Mandy" Tucker; grandson Kyle Mitchell; brother and sister in laws, Richard and Martha Rea; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held for friends and family Friday, June 23rd, from 10:00 am -11:00 am at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram.  The Funeral service will begin at 11:00 am at Chancellor Funeral Home as well.  A Graveside service at 2:00 pm at Union City Cemetery with full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in his honor to Brandon High School JROTC Program, Brandon, MS.