Sam Tucker, 83
Mr. Sam Tucker, the good-natured, fun-loving, oft-proclaimed mayor of Knifley, KY, passed from this life on Saturday, September 5, 2020 in the peaceful atmosphere of his home surrounded by the care and compassion of his family. He was born in Knifley on July 27, 1937 to the late Oconal and Gussie (Perkins) Tucker and spent the majority of his 83 years, 1 month, and 9 days on this Earth trying to make someone smile, whether they initially agreed to it or not. He was the owner and operator of Tucker’s Grocery, a retiree of General Motors, the owner and operator of a small trucking company, a beloved husband, a cherished father and grandfather, and a friend to many. He had made a profession of faith in Christ and was a member of Dunbar Hill Community Church. Mr. Tucker – or Sam, as he preferred – was also an accomplished musician, having played many years in the gospel group The Green River Boys, and in Dayton, Ohio with the Knighthawks. He loved traveling the country, playing and listening to music, and spending precious time with those he cherished. His genuine smile, big heart, and small practical jokes will be remembered for generations.
He leaves to carry his legacy:
His wife: Mrs. Diane (Hovious) Tucker,
Four children: Neal Tucker and wife Faye of Knifley, Nancy Tucker of Campbellsville, Sue Tucker Buley and husband David of Columbia, and Ashley Tungate and husband Buck of Elk Horn,
Two siblings: Mae Sneed of Knifley, and Danny Tucker and wife Esther of Campbellsville,
Nine grandchildren: Crystal Hadley, Hannah Coyt, Eric Hovious, Chastity Lampley, Josh Streeval, James Walker, John Walker, Victoria “Peanut” Tungate, and Abby Gail “Little Bit” Tungate,
Nineteen great-grandchildren,
Two great-great grandchildren, with another on the way,
A special friend: Bryant Metzler of Nashville,
And a host of other family and friends.
He was also preceded in death by a daughter: Connie Woodrum; four siblings: Joene Tucker, Treva Warren, Norma Jean Tucker, and Herman Tucker; and one great-grandchild.
There will be a funeral service to honor Sam’s life on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 2:00 PM EST in the chapel of the L.R. Petty Funeral Home, 1765 New Columbia Rd, Campbellsville, KY. Burial will follow in the Robinson Chapel Cemetery in Knifley.
Bro. James Walker and Bro. Darrell Tucker will be officiating.
The family will receive friends for a walk-through visitation on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 10:30 AM EST until time for the service.
To continue Sam’s legacy of generosity, please consider donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Those can be made in person at the funeral home, or online through the “How Can I Help” tab on the front page of this site.
Current social distancing guidelines will be in effect. In consideration of the health of others, masks will be required upon entry.
