Gerald "Jerry" Tucker

Jerry Tucker, 84, of El Dorado passed away Friday, May 26th at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, AR following a lengthy illness. He was born on January 29th, 1939 in Godfrey, IL to Henry Tucker and Rachel Sooy Tucker.

Jerry began his career in El Dorado working as a diesel mechanic first for Hillyard Drilling and later for Raferty International. In 1974, he opened his own diesel repair shop in an old building on North West Avenue as Tucker’s Truck and Trailer Repair. In 1978, Tucker’s Truck moved to its current location on Hillsboro St. In 1981, Jerry became a Mack Truck dealer, which expanded his business into parts and truck sales; and in 2003, he added the Volvo Truck brand to his dealership. In 2010, Jerry retired from Tucker’s Truck and entrusted the daily operations of the business to his two sons, Jeff and Mike.

Jerry was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed going to several races per year. Even after the large crowds and health issues prevented him from attending races in person, he continued to enjoy watching the races on TV. In addition to NASCAR races, Jerry enjoyed traveling with his wife, Shirley, going on cruises, and spending time with family and friends. In 2013, Jerry and Shirley purchased a house in Cape Coral, FL, where they spent the winters with many of their snow bird friends playing Sequence, traveling, dining, and enjoying fellowship.

Jerry was a member of Wyatt Baptist Church in El Dorado, and Gulf Coast Baptist in Cape Coral, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Rachel Tucker, brother Bill Tucker, and sons Michael Tucker and Dan Tucker.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; son Jeff (Jenna) of El Dorado; daughter Lynn Hansen (Ed) of Panama City, FL; stepdaughter Kerri Polk (Brandon) of Norphlet; stepson Scott Adcock (Roseanne) of Magnolia; grandchildren Jacob, Rachel and Joseph Tucker; Jeremy Hansen; JT, Mitchell, and Ryan Polk; Aaron Hodges, Danielle Moorman, Lindsey Cloutier, Chase Tucker, and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening, May 30th, 6-8 p.m. at Young’s Funeral Home. The funeral will be on Wednesday, May 31st, at 3 p.m. at Wyatt Baptist Church. A graveside service will immediately follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Tucker family.