Rodger Tucker

Rodger Maurice “Pop” Tucker age 81 of Graysville went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at his home. He was born in Dayton on May 8, 1940 the son of the late William Arthur Tucker and Martha Ellen (Crawley) Tucker. He was also preceded in death by his brother Ray Tucker and aunt Margaret Crawley.

Pop was a graduate of Rhea Central High School class of 1958. He also attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for two years. He served his country in the Army National Guard of Tennessee for eight years as a Staff Sergeant and spent his professional career managing various companies including WDNT/WAYA Radio, Econ Gas, A-1 Paving and eventually retiring from SETHRA.

A God-loving, Christian man since March 5, 1972, Rodger served as an Ordained Deacon, was a member of the Abba’s House and was a Charter Member and past president of Dayton Optimist Club. He was a Member of the Rhea County Republican Party, coached football and baseball for 25 years. He established and zealously lead a prayer chain ministry and served as an usher at UT for three years. He enjoyed bluegrass, UT Football, golf, watching his grandchildren play sports and cruising with his sweetheart. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Pop is survived by his wife of 31 years, Martha Jo (Nail) Tucker of Graysville, his five children, Jeff (Denise) Hill of Dayton, Bruce (Dedra) Spradling of Dayton, Brad (Ruth) Tucker of Soddy Daisy, Angie (Buddy) Stephens of Dayton and Crystal (Jason) Middleton of Chattanooga. Rodger is also survived by his 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Special thanks from the family to his caregiver Rozie Eisen-Welch of Sale Creek.

The funeral service for Pop will be held on Friday, April 15, 2022 at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Ronnie Phillips, Jr. and Pastor Brad Tucker officiating. He will be laid to rest in Rhea Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lana’s Love Foundation.

Please share your memories and photos of Rodger on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com .

The family is being cared for by the Vanderwall Funeral Home where they will receive friends beginning Friday at 12:00 noon.