Herman Ashby Tuck Jr.

Herman Ashby Tuck Jr., 85, of Fayetteville left our world on February 2, 2015 and went to join his wife, Irene, in the beautiful world beyond. He slipped quietly and painlessly to Heaven while sleeping, with his daughter, Cyndy Tuck Ash and son, Herman Ashby Tuck III by his side. An era has ended and a legend has passed! Herman was born in Fayetteville, Ark. on February 23, 1929, to Josephine Ellison Tuck, of Muskogee, Okla. and Herman Ashby Tuck Sr., of Fayetteville. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Clara Irene Mayes Tuck; his parents, Herman Ashby Tuck and Josephine Ellison Tuck; uncles, Henry Lafayette Tuck; Jack Shive Tuck; and aunt, Nancy Sue Tuck Brown. Family was so important to Herman and he passed this love on to his survivors. Survived by sister, Jo Anne Tuck Stanberry Compton; daughter, Cyndy and husband, Bill of Goshen; their children, Melanie and William (Turk) Ash; and grandchildren, Avery Undernehr, Jorge Garcia, Ashton and Jacie Jones; son, Herman Ashby Tuck III, and wife, Kim of St. Louis, MO.; and their child, Herman Ashby Tuck IV; stepdaughter, Kandace Herring and husband, Alex; and grandchildren, Ethan and Ashton Herring. He attended Washington Elementary School and Fayetteville High School, until his junior year, when he transferred to Kemper Military School graduating in 1947. He attempted a semester at the U of A, but decided that it was not for him or vice versa. Growing up he spent working for his grandfather at the Sinclair Gas Station at College and Spring St. His true work ethics were instilled there. In his words, "There are only two reasons to not show up for work, one is death, the other a nuclear bomb." Swimming, waterskiing, horseback riding and music kept him busy giving of himself to others and honed his desire for perfection, demanding it of himself and just a few others starting with his children at home. His theory, "If you can't do it right, then don't do it at all". Music! An avid and accomplished drummer he put his talent to good use. He was Ronnie Hawkins first drummer and they gave many hours of entertainment playing local gigs. His skills and abilities as a drummer were recognized and reaped several local awards as a result. His love of music was reflected in being always surrounded by big band and jazz. Herman's Ribhouse! An example of what a few dollars and a lot of perspiration can achieve and on New Year's Eve, 1964, Herman's Ribhouse became a reality. Wearing a shirt saying "I'm Herman" on the back, the side most familiar to guests, his talents at good simple food with Herman's touch making it a staple to many an appetite! Irene always at his side, Cyndy serving and Dubber doing whatever, theirs was the first "reality" show as NWA watched the family growth over decades spanning the 60's into the late 80's. History was born. A salesman from Ft. Smith, office employee, Don Tyson, Willie Nelson or Bill Clinton, you got the same fine treatment. There, everyone was someone important. Retiring in 1987 to Beaver Lake where Herman could, once again, play with a boat on water while Irene watched her birds and sunsets. Time shared with family especially those grandkids! Herman and Irene moved back to Fayetteville after 10 years to accommodate her failing health. Herman celebrated her life and mourned her death on February 5, 2012. A special thank you goes to Jennifer Rust, an incredible caregiver who gave so much of herself and whose unending loving care added so much to Herman and Irene's daily life in their latter years. The entire Tuck family recognizes your efforts and thanks you for the blessed time you added to Herman and Irene's lives. They also recognize BrightStar for the wonderful caregivers, Amber and Jamie, who helped in Herman's final days. Services will be held at 2: p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2015 at the First Christian Church with Gary Lunsford officiating. Burial will be in Sons Chapel Cemetery. Following the interment, a reception will be held at the Tuck's home, 2926 N. Loxley in Fayetteville. Visitation will be at Beard's Chapel from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2015. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to, The Broyles Foundation, at 2020 E. Joyce St., Suite 2, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703. Please help raise the awareness of dementia and Alzheimer's disease that is stealing the minds of so many; and BrightStar, at 4264 Frontage Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703. BrightStar teaches the art of caring for dementia and Alzheimer's patients. It takes a great deal of caring, empathy, knowledge, training and patience to give of oneself for the betterment of those unable to speak for themselves. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.