Herman I. Tucker

Mr. Herman I. Tucker, age 83, of Willacoochee, Ga, passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023, at his home following an extended illness.

Mr. Tucker was born January 26, 1940, in Irwin County, Georgia, to Ione Willis Tucker and Dempsey Albert Tucker.  He was a 1958 graduate of Atkinson County High School, where he was captain of the Atco Rebel football team and All State Guard in 1957. 

Following high school, Mr. Tucker owned and operated the Standard Oil service station, then the Phillips 66 service station in Pearson.  During this time, he married Shelva Jean Giddens (1960) and was able to purchase farm and timber land in Atkinson County, where he and Shelva eventually moved and reared their three children, Sherry, Randy, and Cindy.

Following his service station years, Mr. Tucker worked at Georgia Pacific Wood Products and farmed, growing produce, corn, tobacco, and raising cows.  In 1989, the family sadly lost Shelva to cancer.  In 1992, Mr. Tucker was elected to the position of Sheriff of Atkinson County, a post he served for 16 years, running unopposed in each subsequent election.  During this time, Mr. Tucker married Amelia Paulk Carter (1997), to whom he would remain devoted until his death.

From the time of his retirement from public office in 2008, Mr. Tucker focused on his farm, enjoying growing peaches and watermelons with the help of son Randy and grandson Jarrett.  Mr. Tucker became known for his delicious late May peaches, sold by the basket from the back of his pick-up (or given away free to many), and his July watermelons, some weighing up to 40 pounds.  He also enjoyed collecting (and giving away) pocketknives, fishing for red breast in Coochee Creek, finding arrow heads on the farm, and spending time on the front porch of the family cabin enjoying nature and the company of his dog Coochee.

Perhaps Mr. Tucker’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who lovingly called him Papa Herman and who will miss him greatly. 

Mr. Tucker’s survivors include his loving wife of 26 years Amelia Tucker of Willacoochee, Ga; one son Randy Tucker and wife Pam of Willacoochee, Ga; two daughters, Cindy Tucker Hurlbert of Pearson, Ga, and Sherry Tucker Haskins of Tifton, Ga; two stepdaughters, Allison Woodward and husband Greg of Willacoochee, Ga, and Gwen Burch and husband Tony of Willacoochee, Ga; one sister Beverly Tucker Rayfield of Winston-Salem, NC.  Eleven grandchildren:  Ashlea Haskins Branch and husband Adam, Lee Chancey and wife Shelly, Jessica Tucker, Jarrett Tucker and wife Kaitlyn, Shelly Chancey Crosby and husband Cohen, Hannah Hurlbert, Carter Woodward and wife Lauren, Tommie Burch and wife Skyler, Sean Burch and wife Jayme, Claire Woodward, and Evie Woodward.  Sixteen great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Mr. Tucker is preceded in death by his first wife Shelva Jean Giddens Tucker, granddaughter Amanda Leigh Haskins, sister Betty Tucker Teague, and brothers Dempsey Willis Tucker, Peter Tucker, Darrel Tucker and Ronnie Tucker.

Funeral services for Mr. Tucker were held Wednesday, April 12th, at Pearson Church, with Rev. Gary Griffin and Mr. Phil Liles officiating.  Musical selections included “Wish You Were Here” by soloist, Tammy Paulk accompanied by cd, and “Amazing Grace” by the congregation, with Tammy Paulk at the piano.  Soft music for the prelude and postlude was by Tammy Paulk, pianist.  The interment followed in Antioch Cemetery with honors rendered by GA State Patrol Honor Guard.  Serving as pallbearers were Joey Morris, Mark Tucker, Adam Branch, Carter Woodward, Jarrett Tucker and Darren Rayfield.  Honorary pallbearers were close friends, former employees, along with current and former law enforcement officials serving in and around Atkinson County. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Antioch Church Cemetery Fund.

(c/o Mr. Buddy Mitchell, 824 Harvey Taft Rd. Pearson, Ga. 31642)

Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.