Earl Richard "Pop" Tucker

           POLKTON – On Saturday, June 3, 2023, Mr. Earl Richard “Pop” Tucker, 73, passed away peacefully at his home with his family and friends gathered around his bedside.

            Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Harmony Community Church in Peachland with Rev. John Greene officiating. Interment will follow in Griffin Cemetery in Polkton.

            The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday and other times at the home of his son in Polkton.

Earl was born March 1, 1950, in Chesterfield County, SC and was a son of the late Wade Thompson Hendricks and the late Emma Eliza Tucker. He worked for more than 30 years in maintenance starting out with Cuddy Farms and at the time of his retirement, Pilgrim’s Pride.

            Devoted to his community, which he deeply loved, Earl was a retired member of the Polkton Volunteer Fire Department with 40 years of service. He attended Polkton Baptist Church, and with his son and his family, Harmony Community Church.

            He leaves to cherish his legacy and memory, his son and daughter-in-law, Richie and Helen Tucker of Polkton; his grandchildren, Kailey Tucker and Devon Tucker both of Polkton and Abigail Underwood of Wadesboro;  his step-son, Kenny Taylor of Peachland; his sisters, Debbie Tucker of McColl, SC and Janie Lou  Fratus (Ray) and Helen Freeman both of Patrick, SC; his sisters-in-law, Carolyn Baker of Wingate, Judy Taylor of Peachland and Sharon Walker of Marshville; a son of the heart, Henry Furr (Melissa) of Peachland and his nieces and nephews and their families.

            In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Preslar Tucker, and his brothers and sisters, Willis Tucker, W.T. Tucker, Carolyn Tucker, Ola Bea Polson, and Betty Oneal; his sisters-in-law, Juanita Tidwell, Debbie Williams, and Maggie Carpenter, and special friends, Elaine Freeman and Betty Kelley.

            Earl enjoyed being active outdoors and dancing. He was an avid fisherman and would often tell his grandson, Devon, “Let’s go to the pond”. He also enjoyed trips to the beach with his family for vacations and fishing and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone he found in need. He was a good cook and was well-known for his BBQ.

            Earl’s family is most grateful to Hospice of Union County, Carolyn, Judy, Sharon, Henry, Mary, and many others for the loving way they cared for him. Their love and kindness will always be held dear.

            In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Polkton Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 156, Polkton, NC 28135 or to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110.

            The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com