David Lee Tucker went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 4:45 in the morning surrounded by the love of his family. His family and friends mourn his loss, but are comforted in the assurance of David’s relationship with Jesus, and the promises and hope that brings.

David was born in High Point, North Carolina on July 27, 1941, the only child of Thurman and Helen Tucker. The Tucker family moved to Florida when David was 15 where his dad worked for RCA at Cape Canaveral, Florida. David attended Melbourne High School and graduated in 1960. He then received an Associate of Arts degree at Brevard Junior College in Cocoa, Florida in 1964.

David served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969, stationed mostly in Turkey. It was during this time that a young cousin, Ann Vail, began to send pen pal letters to him. David and Ann continued to write, exchanged pictures and fell in love. He proposed and came home to meet her in person on December 18, and they married on Christmas Eve, 1967. They were married 59 years. While living in Turkey, Ann’s parents sent David a Christian tract, and he gave his life to Jesus Christ.

After his Army service, they returned to North Carolina where they welcomed a daughter. They moved to Florida, where David attended the University of South Florida and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor Degree in Mass Communication. Living in Florida, their family grew to 2 daughters Lisa Orr (Marlin). and Renee Magruder (Scott), and later, In Texas, sons, David Tucker, Jr. and Brian Tucker (Jessie), completed the family. They now have been blessed with loving grandchildren, Brennan and Cameron Orr, and Myla and Solomon Tucker.

Drawing closer to the Lord and discipled at Spencer Memorial Baptist Church, David felt called by God into the ministry. The family moved to Ft. Worth, TX where David attended Southwestern Baptist Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 1978. David’s first pastorate was in Tampa, FL. Then they returned to North Carolina where he served in ministry in several churches. He was Chaplain at Craggy Correctional Center, all while continuing his service to our country as an Air Force Chaplain, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and retiring in 2002 with 21 years of service.

David loved reading and studying. He continued his education at Stephen F. Olford Center for Biblical Preaching where he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2006. David loved the Word of God, teaching, writing and preaching sermons, and discipling men. He also was a talented artist and played several instruments, including the saxophone.

David served the Lord as husband, father, grandfather and, to others, as pastor, friend, mentor, and encourager, all of whom look forward to seeing him again “When We All Get to Heaven”. Until then, we rejoice in the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

A Memorial Service will be held at Mud Creek Baptist Church, Hendersonville, North Carolina on August 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation is at 1:00. There will be a private burial later at the Western Carolina Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.

Moody Connolly Funeral Home is caring for the family.