Ray E. Tucker's Obituary
Ray E. Tucker, age 74, of Bridgeville, DE passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at his home. He was born in Bridgeville on September 6, 1937, son of the late Elwood and Alice (Smith) Tucker.
Mr. Tucker was a 1957 graduate of Bridgeville High School. He began his business career with Earth Movers in Seaford, DE; he owned and operated a land clearing business in Bridgeville for several years with two close friends. He also was employed by DE Roads Company in Middletown, DE, Henry C. Eastburn Road Construction in Baltimore, MD, and Paz Brothers in Bridgeport, NJ. Mr. Tucker was very instrumental in the building of the Bridgeport Speedway in 1972 considered to be “The fastest dirt track in the East.” He partnered with Dale Wheatley in 1979 creating W. T. Clearing, Inc. in Bridgeville, retiring in 2000.
Mr. Tucker was an avid pool player, known affectionately as “Super Shark” by his pool league friends at Jeff’s Tap Room. He was a devoted Redskins fan and loved watching NASCAR. He raced stock cars at Delmar with his father by his side and those times were some of his fondest memories. He had a love for animals, especially his three Arabian horses. Mr. Tucker was a man who never looked for recognition but was always ready to lend a helping hand in his community. He donated many hours reconstructing the entrance way to the local Little League field to ensure the safety of all the ball players.
Mr. Tucker enjoyed breakfast, coffee and catching up on the local news daily with friends at the Bridgeville Diner. He was a loving father and grandfather, truly the Patriarch of his family. He will be remembered as an active, caring man in his community. His loving smiles and welcoming waves to those he passed by will be sorely missed.
Mr. Tucker is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Carolyn Waters Tucker; his daughters: Diana Young and husband Scott and Patricia Bennett and her fiancé’ Stacy Carter, all of Bridgeville; seven grandchildren: Bethany Young, Rayelle Young, Ashlynne Bennett, Brooke Bennett, MaKayla Bennett, Lauren Carter and Grant Carter; Robin Ryan, who was like a daughter and her husband Kris of Harrington, DE; Robin’s children: Kritsen Short and husband Matt, their daughter Emma of Bridgeville; Soni and Jack Ryan of Harrington; and his beloved dog Rusty.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws Street, Bridgeville, DE. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Johnstown Cemetery, St. Johnstown Road in Greenwood, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Please sign Mr. Tucker’s online guestbook on this page.
PDF Printable Version
What’s your fondest memory of Ray?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ray?
Share a story where Ray's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ray you’ll never forget.
How did Ray make you smile?