Horace Tucker Jr.

Horace would like to let you know that his work here is done:

As a double sport athlete in baseball and football, he accomplished everything in his playbook. He married the woman he loved. Together they raised a wonderful family of accomplished children and thriving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a pillar of service and good neighborliness in the community he lived in. As a great athlete in the game of life, he was forever leading the run, standing ready at the line of scrimmage to be there for his extended family and friends. Then he heard an audible come from the Quarterback upstairs. And Horace answered.

HORACE TUCKER JR.’S PLAYBOOK

FIRST QUARTER

Horace was born in Gabbeville, Georgia to the late Ada Bell Tucker and Horace Tucker Sr. on March 31, 1935.  He was the eldest of seven children.  His father relocated the family to sunny California in 1942 by way of the military. Horace attended Kimbrough Elementary School in National City and in middle school was a student at Memorial Junior High.

SECOND QUARTER

In high school, Horace received an athletic scholarship to St. Augustine and later was recruited by San Diego High.  He met his wife of 60 years Gloria Jean Johnson there, he was a senior and she was a sophomore.  Horace was a high school stand-out and an extremely popular student, especially among the coaches and (much to the chagrin of his sweetheart) the young ladies too.  His athletic prowess is legendary.  He excelled in baseball and football.  In the 1950’s, he was part of an elite group of high school athletes. He was lauded for his sportsmanship, receiving several awards including the prestigious American Legion Louisville Slugger National Award for baseball. In 1953, he was part of the Brietbard All San Diego City League Football Team. He graduated from San Diego High School in 1954.  From 1954-1956, Horace played baseball for the California League and Pittsburgh Club. 

THIRD QUARTER

In 1957, Horace married his high school sweetheart; they renewed their vows after 50 years of marriage in 2007. With a detour in his journey, he embarked on a second career. He worked for L.R. Hubbard Construction Company for 33 years, starting as a cement finisher and later ventured off to become an independent contractor. Throughout his career in construction, he worked on major projects that are now considered San Diego architectural landmarks. Up until his passing, he proudly spoke about his role in the construction of these buildings.

FOURTH QUARTER

His love of sports led him to become a baseball and football coach for his son’s teams.  Fishing with his friends, neighbors, baby sister and later in life his grandson was another passion.  It was not unusual to see a post in the newspaper of him reeling in the catch of the day. Horace was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church for over 35 years. After retirement, he became more involved with the church.  He served on the Trustee Board and sang in the Men’s Choir.

Horace was preceded in death by his parents, Ada Bell Tucker and Horace Tucker Sr and his brother, David Tucker.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Jean Tucker; their  three children, Sheila Tucker Burnett, Marshelle Tucker Taylor and her husband, Jessie, Horace Tucker III and his wife Diana; two grandsons, Michael Yancy Jr. and his wife Dawn and Marcelis Tucker; six great-grandchildren, Michael III, Mekhi, Marcelis Jr., Moselle, Mariah and Nia; six siblings, Dearlean White of Hillside, New Jersey, Gloria Ann Wilborn, Iva Tucker and his wife Patricia, Larry Tucker of Little Rock, Arkansas, Jerry Tucker of Las Vegas, Nevada; his aunt, Georgia Mae Davidson of Detroit, Michigan and his uncle, Hubert Davidson of Columbus, Ohio and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.