Richard graduated from Drew Central High School in 1958 and went on to serve his country as an Army Veteran during the Korean War. He retired from Burlington Industries after 30 years of service as a Supply Purchase Manager. Richard was a member of Pleasant Springs Baptist Church in Coleman, Arkansas where he became a Christian. He was also a dedicated Master Mason of the Eureka Masonic Lodge #40.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary Parish Tucker, as well as his parents, Otis and Bama Tucker, his brothers Mitchell, Roland, Dennis, and Larry, and his sisters Hazel Haroman and Maurene McKenzie.
He is survived by his three children: Cindy Akin (Robert) of Monticello, Lori White (Kevin) of Eads, TN, and Chris Tucker (Carrie) of Tonitown, AR. Richard is also survived by five granddaughters, Britni Akin, Kinsley Akin Vickers (Hunter), Haylee Burton, Jane, Mae, and Ruby Tucker; two step-grandsons, Chase and Carter White; and two great-grandsons, Boston Akin and Shepherd Vickers.
Richard was a man who lived life to the fullest, with a passion for family, friends, and the outdoors. He and his wife Mary shared a love for gardening and enjoyed spending time together in nature. He was a fixture at the Barkada Hunting Club during deer season, where he relished the camaraderie of friends and family. Richard also had a special fondness for Razorback sports and was never afraid to ''Call Those Hogs''.
Known to his grandchildren as ''Pepaw,'' Richard adored spending time with them. He was always up to playing the part of whatever role his granddaughters worked up for him - the beloved customer at the grocery store, the model at the beauty parlor, or the misbehaving student at the schoolhouse. He was their favorite playmate - always ready to join in a game of ''Mother May I'' or ''Red Light, Green Light''. For his family, Richard was the roar of laughter at the end of the table of every family game night.
He was a man who believed in the power of laughter and joy, and he certainly never considered himself too grown up for a bit of fun. Christmas was his favorite time of year, and he still searched the skies every Christmas Eve with the wonder of a child. Richard also loved music and believed himself to be the closest thing Monticello ever had to a ''real'' Elvis impersonator. He couldn't resist tapping his finger to the beat of any great song and, on occasion, trying to sing along - though the results were often more amusing than tuneful.
Even in his later years, when his memory started to fade, his humor and love for life remained constant. Richard's most recent distinction was being named the Valentine's Day King at Belle View Estates, a recognition of his enduring charm and infectious spirit.
The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to those who supported Richard in his transition from this life to eternal life with Jesus. Your kindness and care have meant the world to us.
A graveside service for friends and family will be held at Oakland Cemetery on Thursday, April 10th, at 2:00 PM. There will be a visitation Wednesday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. We invite those who knew and loved Richard to join us as we honor his memory. You can sign Richard's guestbook registry on this website.
Richard's legacy will live on in the many smiles he collected throughout his life and the hearts of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Condolences(16)
Phillip McDaniel
Monticello, AR Friday, April 11, 2025 Cindy and family, Richard was a fine man I worked for him down at down at Burlington. years ago and you couldn’t ask for a supervisor and friend. He was a great neighbor. I know you will miss your dad. However we know that Heaven gained another angel. Just know that he is in the hands of the Lord. May the lord help y'all during this difficult time.Larry Hargis
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 10, 2025 Worked with Richard at Burlington. He was always full of life and laughing. Such a great guy. He will be missed.Martha Barbee
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 10, 2025 Mrs. Bea,I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your Brother-In-Law.
Kedran Handly
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 10, 2025 So sorry for your loss. Richard was a great guy. Loved he and Mary both. Worked several times for Mary at different places. Burlington was a great family.Coy McGough
Star City, AR Thursday, April 10, 2025 Thinking of the times we grew up together. God bless the family.Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 10, 2025 Dear Cindy, Lori, Chris, & Family,I am so sorry about your dad. He was such a nice guy, always the same every time I would see him whether at work at Burlington, at the grocery store, or his and your mom's house. He is with her in Heaven and I know they are so happy to be together again. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
In Christian Love,
Sharon
Timothy Forrest
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Cindy and family,So sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I remember going to family gatherings at Aunt Ann & Uncle Roland's house and seeing Uncle Richard, Uncle Dennis Earl, and Uncle Larry and the fun times we had. May god wrap his arms around your family and comfort you during this time.
Tim & Diane Forrest
Monticello senior center
monticello, AR Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Our hearts are broken Mr. Tucker was a wonderful man who loved his wife and children always bragging on them he was he was so much fun to be around. He loved to listen to music and sing along he could put a smile on your face we here at the center will miss him dearly.June
MONTICELLO, AR Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Dear family so sorry for your loss. Mary was a dear friend and together her and Richard did have the best looking yard around. Richard truly loved people and enjoyed life with a great sense of humor.Prayers and thoughts to each of you
Andy Briant
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Cindy and family: So sorry to learn of Mr Richard's passing. He was a very nice man and such a fun guy! I always loved visiting with him. He was at the Senior Center several times when I played music there and he sure did love music!!! I know he'll be greatly missed! What a great guy!!!Andy Briant
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Cindy and family: So sorry to learn ofGina Tucker/ Light
Guyton, GA Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Uncle Richard will be greatly missed. Sending love and hugsKent Davis
Maumelle, AR Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Cindy I am so sorry, He was a good one, I am sorry PrayersLaci Harris
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Mrs. Cindy & Family,I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our many thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless.
Laci, Crayton, Parker & Rhett Harris
Robin Johnson
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Cindy and family,Richard was a man all loved and he will be truly missed. Love and prayers for
All.
Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Monday, April 7, 2025 Deepest sympathy to all of the Tucker family. My late husband James and Richard worked together at Burlington.