Russell D. "Poppies" Tucker

A funeral mass for Mr. Russell D. “Poppies” Tucker will be held Saturday at 10 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Father Frank Cosgrove will be officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Stephens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Tucker, 89, of Meridian passed away Friday in New Orleans.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and served overseas in the Air Corps in Airfield Construction. After the war, he joined the newly formed U.S. Air Force and served as an enlisted aircrew member and participated in the Berlin Airlift. During the Korean War, he served in Air Sea Rescue on an SA-16 Grumman Albatross. After 10 years of enlisted service, he was selected for pilot training and became the first student to perform a solo flight in the new T-33 jet trainer at Greenville AFB, MS where he met his wife Billie. Together they enjoyed 54 years of marriage until her death. Continuing his Air Force career, he served as an interceptor pilot in the Air Defense Command, flying a variety of aircraft including the F-89, B-57 and the Mach 2 F-106 Delta Dart. During his career he served at various locations including Arizona, Alaska and Michigan and retired from service at McGuire AFB, NJ in 1963 as a Captain. After his military retirement, he lived in Saraland, AL where he owned a Western Auto store until his retirement, he then became a locksmith. Retired, he moved to Meridian where he was an avid golfer and member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He will also be remembered as a dedicated supporter of St. Patrick Catholic School.

Mr. Tucker is survived by his children Kathleen Shine and husband Rob of Meridian, Michael Tucker and wife Claudia Barker, Kevin Tucker and wife Meg Keenan and Steven Tucker and wife Mei all of New Orleans, LA, Kelly Tucker of Berlin, Germany and Scott Tucker of Santa Monica, CA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Brandi Tucker, Arnika Wagner, Robby Shine, Camille Tucker, Andy Shine, Lucy Tucker, Matt Shine and Mario Tucker.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dalzell and Laura Tucker, wife Isabel Tucker and brothers Bob, Brian and Dick Tucker.

Visitation will be held at Stephens Funeral Home on Friday from 5pm to 8pm with Rosary service at 7pm.