Obituaries

Billy (Bill) Fred Tucker

Photo of Billy (Bill) Fred Tucker
As Native American flutes played and drums sounded, Billy Fred Tucker (Bill) departed this life on January 2, 2018. He was born August 19, 1937 in Grand Glaise, Arkansas, son of Herschel and Genevieve Tucker. Newport was home to Bill for many wonderful years. He was very active in the schools there as well as Ray Fann's Boy Scout Troop.67. Bill was an Eagle Scout and member of Order of the Arrow. He attended many Boy Scout Jamborees in the US and also England. He graduated from NHS in 1955 and Arkansas State College 1959, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Bill began his career of 45 years in Education at Keiser and Wilson Arkansas Schools. After graduation from Memphis State University, (MSE), Bill and family moved to Texas where he worked on his Doctorate and eventually became Vice Chancellor of Planning and Development at Dallas County Community College System. Bill served on the Dallas Urban League Board and was very active in Oak Cliff Lions Club as well as Scouting and his church, Dallas First Unitarian Church. Retirement brought new adventures into Bill's life. He spent many hours studying the culture of Native Americans. He became very proficient in playing the Native American flute as well as teaching others and making flutes. This interest took him to retreats and events all over the Western United States. Bill's last stop was CCYoung Retirement Center in Dallas where he was involved in most all the activities and developed many new friendships. His leadership abilities led him to become President of the Residential Council. AND it was a good place for his journey to end on this Earth. Bill is survived by his sons, Billy Fred Tucker Jr. (Karen) of Heath, Texas and Jay Ashley Tucker (Kerry) of Plano, Texas; daughter, Elisabeth Tucker Reta (Robert) of San Jose, California; sister, Mary Beth Tucker of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; six Grandchildren and four Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his Parents, one Brother, and two Grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Dallas First Unitarian Church on January 11th, 2018. The family will have a graveside service, 2 pm, Saturday, November 24th, at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Newport. www.dillingerfuneralhome.com.

Published November 18, 2018

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