Ted Alan Tucker

It is with great sadness that we announce the calm and peaceful passing of Ted Alan Tucker, 62, on December 19, 2024.  Ted was born on May 1, 1962 in Linden, Tennessee to the late James Otis Tucker and Bettye Jean Tiller Tucker.  Ted accomplished a lot in his life in spite of his challenges.  He graduated from Perry County High School and was known to be a great student where he learned to read, write and do arithmetic.  After high school, he participated in Special Olympics where he earned a silver medal at the state level running in a relay event.  He was so proud of his medal that he proudly wore it until it couldn't be worn any longer.  While attending Kings Daughters, in Columbia, he learned and excelled at underwater swimming.  Ted had a wide range of interests which included "anything and everything" with the University of Tennessee, NASCAR, Superheroes, and the Tennessee Titans.  From a young age he was fascinated with anything that had wheels.  His fascination with wheels and machinery continued into later life and he was known to spend hours watching roadbuilding and heavy equipment operations.  He also loved flying with his dad, eating his favorite foods, watching old TV shows, fishing, taking long rides, going to museums, watching Superhero movies and spending time with his family.  He loved listening to music, and when he was young, he loved dancing with his sisters.  He was well traveled and took many vacations with his family where he saw historical sites out west including Mr. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Custer National Battleground, and Yellowstone National Park.  He also enjoyed vacations to Virginia Beach, Texas, Gatlinburg and many other local historical destinations.  His favorite holiday was Christmas and when he was young, he would open all the presents under the tree...before it was time.  

Throughout the course of his life, he made many good friends who remember him as being a gentle soul with a playful and loving spirit.  He was also known for being strong willed.  He was a flirt when pretty women were around and he could be demanding if he felt that his needs weren't being met.  His strong will defined his demeanor and was a testament to his attributes as being a "fighter", being "stubborn" and being "resilient".  These attributes served as his way to cope with his lifelong struggles.  His sister Pam, often described him as "Ted being Ted".  He adored his mother, father and sisters.  He was especially fond of his nieces and nephews and he was always in awe of them when he held them as tiny babies.  Ted touched so many lives in so many ways, making everyone he encountered a better person.  In his own way, he advocated for the love, respect, kindness and compassion that everyone deserves.

Ted is survived by his sisters, Pamela Jean Tucker and Lisa Elaine Tucker, his nephew Jamey Ray Dabbs, his niece, Bethaney Dawn Dabbs ( Eric Hickerson), his great - nephew Tucker Maddox Dabbs, and his great - niece Lillibeth Rylan Bates.

The family would like to thank the awesome and hardworking nurses and support staff members as well as everyone on the team at Independent Opportunities, Inc. in Columbia, Tennessee.  There are not enough words to express how grateful we are for the kindness, love, compassion, and respect they have shown Ted and his family over the last 5 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Linden, in Ted's name.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.