Richard Gerald Tuck
Richard Gerald Tuck, known to all of his friends and family as Jerry, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at home. Jerry was born August 1, 1942 in Greer, SC to the late George and Nell Dobson Tuck.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Roe Tuck and his two daughters, Tracy Buchanan and her husband Scott, Asheville, NC and Jerri Tuck of Charlotte, NC, step-daughter Amy Willcox and her husband Thomas. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Andrew Tuck Buchanan, Mary Julia Buchanan, Caroline McIvor Willcox, Emily Roe Fers and her husband Tyler, and Elizabeth Law Willcox. Additionally surviving are two sisters, Ellen Mahaffey and DeLane Dukes and their children, Will Dukes, Jay Mahaffey, Joni Mahaffey and George Mahaffey. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Peggy Wall Tuck.
At the age of 8 he was working in his father’s appliance repair business which then became primarily a heating business before air conditioners were used in homes in Greer. After his father’s death he took over the business and added his great friend Hayden Howell to form Tuck & Howell Mechanical Contracting Company around 1969. Over the 50 years that Tuck & Howell has been in business, Jerry has a reputation as a man of great integrity and character. This was evidenced by many faithful employees, who have been with him for over 30 years.
One of his favorite things was his Monday afternoon “Coffee Club” with his longtime friends Jimmy, Leon, Ron and Frankie enjoying their senior citizen discount coffee at McDonalds.
He was very creative. He could turn a piece of wood or a piece of stone or a piece of metal into a fantastic piece of art. He was a gifted, multi-medium sculptor and Renaissance man. He also believed anything could be repaired with Bondo and Duct Tape. “I can fix that,” was something Jerry said often. And if he didn’t have the proper tools, he always improvised. He was always ready for an adventure and in his younger days enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing and traveling the world. He had a big heart and was always willing to help others.
Jerry was member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church and had a great personal relationship and believed firmly in The Lord Jesus Christ. His faith had grown even deeper during the last three years after suffering a fall that had left him partially paralyzed, but always trusted in God to get him through each day and never complained or said anything bad about anyone. He was a truly good guy and will be greatly missed by all.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at twelve o’clock noon, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. The family invites you to join them after the service at The Poinsett Club where we will continue to celebrate and tell “Jerry Stories”! A private burial will be held prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Church Legacy Fund, 304 E Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601.
Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
