Dr. Benny Francis Tucker

Funeral services for Dr. Tucker will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 11 a.m., at West Jackson Baptist Church, with Bro. Ron Hale officiating. Casketbearers will be Chris Taylor, Darrien Taylor, Quinn Taylor, Griffin Tucker, Glen Curlin, and Gary Foose.

Dr. Tucker was born on October 29, 1938 in Hannibal, Missouri to Frank and Jessie Tucker. He joined the faculty of Union University where he became the founding dean of Union's School of Education and Human Studies and led the development and implementation of graduate studies at Union.Dr. Tucker graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange College, Northeast Missouri State College, The State College of Iowa, and The University of Illinois. His teaching career spanned more than 50 years in Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Tennessee.A prolific author in the field of mathematics education, Dr. Tucker authored or co-authored over 50 books and 20 articles, and he presented 38 papers at professional meetings. He was the recipient of the 2008 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Hannibal-LaGrange College.

He was a member of West Jackson Baptist Church where he has been an active member since moving to Jackson in 1989. He has actively participated in church music at every church of which he has been a member.

Dr. Tucker is preceded in death by his three brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo "Jody" Tucker; his daughter, Marla Taylor (Byron) and his son, Drew Tucker (Kate). He leaves behind six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a sister.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday evening, November 21, 2014 from 5-7 p.m., at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, and again on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m., one hour prior to the service at West Jackson Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Union University's Department of Education, 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN 38305 and West Jackson Baptist Church, 580 Oil Well Road, Jackson, TN 38305.