Zemore Ray Tucker

Zemore Ray Tucker. Ray was born in Brewster at the family homestead on May 7, 1931. He was the youngest of eight children. His parents were William and Dollie (Roberts) Tucker. Ray was married to Earlene Leach Tucker for 69 years. As Earlene would tell the story, a friend introduced her to Ray in 1952. During that time, Ray would drive the girls high school basketball team, where Earlene played guard, to their away games. They were married three years later and their family included two children: David and Donna. Ray attended Summerlin Institute and as often was the case, left school to join the Army where he served his country in the Korean War before returning home. As a young man he worked a variety of jobs including Bonnie Chemical and the Bartow Airbase before going to work at the State of Florida Department of Transportation where he was a surveyor, an inspector and finally a Civil Engineer working on many of the roads we use today. His work at the intersection in Fort Meade was one of his most esteemed accomplishments. Ray retired from DOT after 30 years of dedication. He was a member of The First Baptist Church of Fort Meade for 52 years. Ray served his community as a volunteer fireman, member of band booster club, little league baseball coach, coaching many all-star teams with the goal of instilling sportsmanship while building young men, umpire and an advisor to the local 4H Club where he traveled around central Florida with 4H members showing livestock. Ray had a passion for sports of all types, he loved the Fighting Miners and the Florida Gators and was always watching on television or attending games. He had a love for football, baseball, softball, Nascar and golfing just to name a few. He along with Earlene enjoyed roller skating in their younger years. He was a true outdoorsman. He loved fishing for specs and shellcracker at Lake Arbuckle and he and Earlene spent many happy times there fishing and camping. There was nothing Ray enjoyed more than traveling with his family around the country. He and Earlene visited almost all 50 states and parts of Canada seeing new places and playing golf everywhere he could. After his retirement from the DOT, He and Earlene spent 3 months in Alaska in their motorhome. Ray was very proud of their grandson, Phillip and his accomplishments. He and Earlene attended many activities that Phillip was involved in, especially traveling to numerous band performances and of course sitting under those Friday Night Lights to see the marching band. One of Ray’s favorite sayings was ‘Do it while you can.’ He certainly did his fair share! Ray was the beloved husband of Earlene Leach Tucker. He will live on in the hearts of his son, David Tucker of Fort Meade and daughter, Donna Tucker Silvers of Fort Meade and his grandson, Phillip Silvers also of Fort Meade. Ray is predeceased in death by his parents, William and Dollie, his siblings Alton Tucker, Vera Mae Merchant, Lorraine Willis, Lillie Wheeler, Henry Tucker, Leroy Tucker and Leon Tucker. Mr. Zemore Ray Tucker of Fort Meade, passed away at Bartow Regional Medical Center on May 14, 2025 at the age of 94. Services will be held on Wednesday, May 21st. Visitation beginning at 10:00 am and Service beginning at 11:00 am. First Baptist Church of Fort Meade, 307 E Broadway in Fort Meade, FL. Rev. Kenny Slay officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The First Baptist Church of Fort Meade or a charity of your choice. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com