Lawrence J. “Larry” Tucker of Brookhaven died of a heart attack Dec. 21, 2013. He passed suddenly while visiting with family in Oxford, Miss.

End of life services were provided by Baptist Memorial Hospital and Waller Funeral Home. In keeping with Larry’s wishes, the family has declined a public service.

Mr. Tucker, 77, was born April 19, 1936, in Livonia, Mich., to the late Wilbur and Sarah Tucker, née Holmes. A graduate of Clarenceville High School, he was proud to claim the title of United States Marine. To all his Marine Corps brothers “Semper Fi!”

He leaves behind the love of his life, Linda, with whom he enjoyed 45 years of marriage. The couple met on a blind date in 1967, both saying it was “love at first sight.” The Tuckers moved to Brookhaven in 1981 with their young son, “Lucky.” They adopted the “Home Seeker’s Paradise” as their own and became faithful members of First United Methodist Church. Larry retired in 2007, trading a career in sales for time to pursue hobbies such as woodworking, gardening, bird watching, and doting on “Cookie,” the lap dog he swore he never wanted.

Larry was never without a pocketknife (he preferred Swiss Army), a clean handkerchief and a few peppermints. A consummate gentleman, he opened doors for ladies, pulled out their chairs, and helped them with their coats. He was honest and true to his word. Always confidant, he looked men in the eye and met them with a firm handshake. A lifelong lover of word games and puns, he knew a boiled egg in the morning was hard to beat.

Larry had a genuine smile and a handsome voice. His great sense of humor brought out his deep, marvelous laugh. He was loved by sellers of small watercraft and “antique” pick-up trucks (they always saw him coming), and, most of all, by his family and friends. He never met a golf ball he couldn’t slice, hook, top or whiff as the hole required – just ask his good friend, Lamar Williams, who will certainly tell you. (He might share a few “fish tales” with you, too.)

Preceding Larry in death were his parents; his brother, Mike Tucker; in-laws, Walter and Ruth Stultz and sister-in-law, Sandy Walker.

In addition to his dear wife, Linda Stultz Tucker, Larry is survived by his children, Gordon M. Tucker of California, Janice Root of Florida, Kathy Cohen and husband, Cliff, of Florida, and Lawrence J. “Lucky” Tucker Jr. of Mississippi; his grandchildren, Ami Hamilton (Chad) of California, Madison Cohen of Florida, and Olivia and Emma Tucker of California; his great-grandchildren, Gracie, Dylan and Andy Hamilton of California; and his brother, Thomas Tucker of Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Brookhaven.