Robert Wayne Tucker

Bob’s story began in Ventura, CA, born in 1950 to Wendall and Roma Gene Tucker. But his favorite story began at age 14, when he met the love of his life, Shelley Mae, in middle school. The Buena High School sweethearts married right after graduation on July 19, 1968, launching a lifelong romance.

A patriot through and through, Bob joined the Army in 1967. His service took him to Germany and through two proud tours in Vietnam. Rising to the rank of Captain, he was a decorated soldier whose honors included Parachute Wings, Parachute Rigger and Winter Operations Instructor designations, the Field Artillery Order of Saint Barbara, and multiple Commendation and Service medals. His dedication to his fellow service members continued long after active duty through his multi-year memberships in the Watsonville and Orcutt Veterans organizations.

In the 1970s, Bob and Shelley moved to Santa Maria to raise their two children, Tara Noel and Timothy Nathan. After working for Getty Oil and Casmalia Waste Management, Bob struck out on his own, turning a passion for hazardous waste management into a thriving business, NG Chemical. He cleaned up major highway spills for Caltrans and handled massive contracts for Shell Oil, eventually expanding with offices in Santa Maria and San Jose.

Bob tried to retire in 2000 after selling the business, but a self-proclaimed workaholic simply couldn't sit still. He quickly launched Bayview Trucking to keep doing what he loved. Around the same time, he and Shelley sold their properties to buy their ultimate dream: a 30-acre ranch. Bob transformed into a proud rancher, filling the land with horses, pigs, llamas, goats, donkeys, geese, and a vineyard where he absolutely loved to harvest the grapes.

The ranch became the ultimate gathering place. Bob loved watching his oldest grandsons, Austin (32) and Logan (25), grow up, rarely missing a sporting event and always cheering the loudest. Years later, his heart grew even bigger when his youngest grandkids, Ainsley (10) and Trent (9), came along to enjoy the ranch with him.

Bob was a master storyteller, a man of profound humor, and a friend to everyone he met. His optimism wasn't just a trait; it was a lifestyle. No matter the challenge, Bob was famous for looking at the world and declaring, “Life is Good.”

Bob was preceded in death by his father Wendall Tucker and mother Roma Gene Crummer, He is survived by his beautiful bride of 58 years, his daughter Tara Guerrero (Robert), son Tim (Alexis), Grandsons Austin (Kelsey) Guerrero, Logan Guerrero, Trent Tucker and Granddaughter Ainsley Tucker. He is also survived by his brother Tom (Daria) Tucker and Sandy (John) Haug, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends that he called family.

To honor a life so beautifully lived, a memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Bayside Mortuary (1610 Noche Buena St, Seaside, CA). Bob will be laid to rest with military honors at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery (2900 Parker Flats Cutoff Road, Seaside, CA). To carry on Bob's legacy of looking out for his fellow soldiers, the family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his name to any Veterans organization.