Gary L. Tucker

Gary Lee Tucker was born on October 20, 1964 to Eliza Tucker Thornton and Richard Stewart in Valentines, VA. He was educated in Richmond Public Schools and later obtained his GED. After completing a Jobs Corps program, he worked in construction, installing doors and windows, and later worked at a local bakery until he became too ill to work. He departed this life on August 30, 2023.

Gary, also called “Cowboy,” as a child, loved everyone. But mostly, he loved being with family – blood and adopted. Growing up, he spent much of his time with his Aunt Marie’s children or his sister Mamie and her children. Even though he was the youngest, he liked to try and rough house with his older brother, Larry. As an adult, he loved going out and spending time with his friends. He always lived with his mom, Eliza, until she became ill. Thereafter, he began to stay with Samaro “Cupcake” Epps, the daughter of his deceased long-time girlfriend, Joyce Epps.

Gary was jolly, and would always greet everyone with a big smile. For holidays and birthdays, you could bet he’d always have the largest card, a box of candy, flowers, or a phone call filled with so much joy, that you’d feel the hug coming through the phone. For holidays he loved seeing family, eating his mom’s homemade rolls with extra butter, ham or turkey inside, and a slice of sweet potato pie. And of course, he was a hard-core fan of both the Dallas Cowboys and the L.A. Lakers, always sporting a hat, jersey, jacket, or jogging suit. 

Gary enjoyed working with his hands and was patient and meticulous in everything he did. He would diligently clean the bits of chicken or turkey from the bone to make the best chicken or turkey salad from the holiday leftovers. He would iron his shirt or pants so well that you would have thought it came straight from the cleaners. He would sit, hours and days on end, putting together one- and five-thousand-piece puzzles – the more challenging, the better.  He enjoyed music and dancing, and he was a stickler for being “clean” – showering 2-3 times on a really hot or humid day, trimming his nails, shining his bald head and trimming his beard until it was just right.

Gary had health challenges most of his life. Through it all, he always tried to stay upbeat, although some days were harder than others. Before his journey ended, Gary accepted Jesus Christ into his heart as his Lord and Savior. His favorite Christian song was Kirk Franklin’s “Stomp,” which was quite fitting, as the words mimicked his life… “Lately I’ve been going through some things that’s really got me down…but when I think about Your goodness, it makes me want to STOMP!”  The family rejoices that Gary is now with our Heavenly Father, and in no more pain.

Gary was predeceased by his father, mother, his dear sister, Mamie Tucker, and his long-time girlfriend, Joyce Epps.  He leaves to celebrate his life his brother, Larry Tucker (Tanya), his uncle, Harvey (Helen), his aunt, Marie Drumgoole, his nephews, Vic Bennette (Renee), Lester Tucker (Josephine), Larry Tucker, Jr. (“LJ”), and Mikhail Tucker; his nieces, Trina Barfield (Demean), Felicia Couts (Todd), Takeisha Underdue (Frank), Natasha Kigwe, Karen Brandt, Quashaunda Lee (Marvin), and a host of cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.

The family especially acknowledges and thanks Samaro “Cupcake” Epps, whom Gary loved as a daughter, and who loyally cared for him like a father.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, September 8, 2023 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA. 

Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA is serving the Tucker family.