Ernest Tucker

April 4, 1922 – March 20, 2011

Charlotte, NC

Ernest Eugene Tucker, Jr., of Charlotte, joined the presence of Our Almighty, Sovereign, and Delivering Lord on Sunday, March 20, 2011.

Ernest was born on April 4, 1922; he was son to the late Ernest Eugene Tucker, Sr. and Dorothy Pearl Saunders. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up in Winston-Salem, during which time he was a member of the Moravian Church.

At the age of twenty-one, Ernest enlisted in the 36th infantry and served until he was injured and honorably discharged in 1944. He was married to Marion Vernell Farmer in 1954. He and Marion came to Charlotte in 1958 and made Charlotte their home. They began their family life together in Stonehaven, where they raised three children. It was on Burlwood Road that he and Marion made many of their lifelong friends and he met his best friend, the late Reece Alexander Overcash, Jr. “Tuck” was Godfather to Reece’s son, Reece Alexander “Alex” Overcash, III.

He has been a 32nd degree Mason of the East Gate Lodge since 1965 and a member of The Presbyterian Church for the past fifty years. He dedicated himself to his lodge, family and friends. It was not uncommon for him to quote the “Golden Rule”.

Ernest had a strong faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, and would readily give his testimony to anyone.

He initially began working with Mutual of Omaha, and continued working in the insurance field after moving to Charlotte. Youthguard was one of the first companies in North Carolina to offer affordable insurance coverage to students and student athletes. Ernest was also interested in land development. He built the Franciscan Terrace Apartments and several other buildings located off Park Road in the mid-1970s. In 1977 he founded Tucker Administrators, an employee benefit company. His son “Gene” now owns and operates Tucker Administrators.

Ernest was preceded in death by his sister and two brothers: Mary Tucker Painter, Richard Tucker, and William Tucker. He is survived by his loving wife, Marion Farmer Tucker and his three children: his two sons, Dr. Peter Loren Tucker and his wife Lynne, and Ernest Eugene “Gene” Tucker, III, all of Charlotte, and his daughter, Amanda Tucker McLain and her husband Brad of Morrisville, NC; his grandchildren: Ashley Tucker, currently attending Pratt in New York, Michael Tucker, currently attending UNC-Chapel Hill, Bolden Walters is attending Clemson, Skye Tucker is attending Providence Day, Sarah and David McLain are attending Grace Christian School of Morrisville, NC; and his nieces and nephews: John William Tucker, Saundra Painter Carpenter, Trent Tucker, Johnny Blaine Painter, Jimmy Eugene Painter, and Patrick Tucker.

He had developed several very strong friendships at the Cypress and loved everyone there. The family would like to express their special thanks to Elinor “Lady” Hadley, Dick Buzard, Tim Timson, and Dick and Elena Giblin.

The family would also like to thank The Cypress for their professional and compassionate care to Ernest and his family during this challenging time.

A memorial service will be held at Myers Park Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 11:00 am. There will be a reception for friends and family afterwards at Myers Park Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Thurston Arthritis Foundation, [email protected]