TUCKER

PINNACLE — The Rev. James Howard Tucker of Pinnacle, beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor and friend, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Forsyth Medical Center. Rev. Tucker was born Sept. 15, 1919, in Stokes County to the late Gideon and Emma Venable Tucker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lillian Inman Tucker; daughter, Polly Bennett; and five brothers and three sisters. Rev. Tucker is survived by his loving son, James Howard Tucker Jr.; brother, Emery (Bill) Tucker; grandchildren, Karla Tucker, Jill Rudisill and Jay Bennett; great-grandchildren, Lillian Trask, William Bennett, Matthew Bennett, Meghan Rudisill and Meredith Rudisill; and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Brims Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Gerald Jones and the Rev. Milton Sewell officiating. Burial, with military honors conducted by VFW Post #2019 of Mount Airy and Post #9436 of Pilot Mountain, will follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Tucker was a World War II veteran, serving proudly in the 106th Army Division, where he was captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he worked on the railroad and in construction for many years. In 1960, he turned his life to Christ, being ordained a Baptist minister a few years later. He pastored at Olive Grove Baptist Church in Pinnacle, Pauls Creek Baptist Church in Cana, Va., and Sulphur Springs Baptist Church in Pilot Mountain. After his retirement, he volunteered for many years driving patients to and from dialysis. He was a friend to all who knew him. The family will receive friends Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Howell-Nelson Funeral Service in Pilot Mountain from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice of Pilot Mountain, 129 Veterans Drive, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041; or to Brims Grove Baptist Church, 3509 N.C. 268 East, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041. Online condolences may be made at www.howellfuneralservices.com.