Christopher O. Tucker (age 54) passed away on January 9, 2024 at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Hospice Care Unit after a battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Chris was born in Manchester, NH and grew up in Tampa, Florida. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1988. Chris was a proud Marine, who rose to the rank of Lance Corporal. He served his country with honor for nearly five years and was Honorably Discharged in 1992. Chris worked for many years as a medical technician in the emergency room at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He enjoyed wood working and work in the construction field throughout his life. Chris had a love of cars, especially, fast cars over the years. He finally, bought his dream Camaro. Shall we say, he had a unique knack for putting his stamp on the streets of Tampa. Some of us, had the nail biting pleasure of experiencing his trademarking first hand. A moment with him, we will not forget. Any passenger in one of his cars or trucks, will have stories that live on forever.
Chris was very proud of his son, Spencer and enjoyed watching him grow to have a family and amazing sons of his own. A former U.S. President was quoted as saying, “Some people wonder all their lives if they made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem”. Neither did Chris. He had many instances of supporting those less fortunate in his community. He did not miss an opportunity to help people, whether it be his friends, family, or others. He prided himself in his unwavering integrity throughout his life, beginning in childhood when he heard the National Anthem being played on the television at sign off. He would stand in the living room by himself and salute the American Flag on tv, while it played. His integrity became a stronghold in his life.
Chris was sure to keep situations and things handled. ”The Marines have landed and have the situation well in hand”, he learned. He would accomplish things by either putting it on your list to get the job done or many times he would just ship you something in the mail to fix it. Chris will be remembered for the countless hours he spent telling his stories. Many will not miss his practical jokes (lol), but all will remember his humor.
Chris is survived by his son, Spencer (Anna) Tucker and grandsons, Colton and Gage of GA: sister, Bonnie (Russ) Schurig of FL, sister-in-law, Katherine Tucker of NH: beloved niece, Sarah (Hey Sarah) Dawson and great-niece, Theresa Dawson of NH: and many aunts, uncles, and cousins from both the Tucker and Fuller sides of the family, along with his very close friends and Marine brothers.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald W. Tucker and Theresa M. Fuller, his brother, William (Billy) G. Tucker, with many other close family members, as well as his cherished pug, Taz, who was faithfully beside him for over 14 years.
Chris was my beloved cousin and we were fortunate to share in many great life moments together. When we were very young he was tasked with giving me a hug and a kiss goodbye when leaving our grandparents house and I responded by running for dear life around and around the kitchen table while everyone watched and laughed. I was terrified and determined he wouldn’t catch me.
Chris and I developed a lifelong friendship with countless adventures including a cancer journey together being diagnosed at nearly the same time. I will cherish all the moments until my last breath and I was honored to hold his hand and be there until he took his. Until we meet again. Rest in the sweetest peace.
Last time I saw Chris was at Gerry and Kathy wedding in Maine haven’t seen him in many years before but he sat down with me and Ellen at breakfast and we talked like it was yesterday glad we spent time with him condolences to the whole tucka family for the loss🙏☘️🙏
Chris was the “Neighborhood Watch” for West Cypress Street residents. After bad weather he would ride through the neighborhood to assess damage and inform residents of any damage he discovered. Living across the street from him, I would see him sitting on his porch and sometimes he would call me just to see how I was doing and just to say hello. I remember when his beloved Taz was sick and he thought he would have to have her put down, he cried so much because he loved that little Pug. Chris will be missed. Glad I visited him a few weeks before he passed. My condolences to his family.
Chris will surely be missed by me. I have known Chris since 1986 and considered him a great friend and brother. Just like any family members we had our disagreements and would lose touch now and then but when we did touch base, I always knew our differences would be settled and our conversations would be long and meaningful. I could count more on Chris being there for me than my own siblings and always appreciated and loved him for that. Perfection was engrained in him and certainly more enhanced with his service in the Marine Corp. Chris liked things to be perfect and would have no problem telling you if it wasn’t and of course then stepping in to fix it. I can remember with my first home I was doing crown molding and proud of what I had done so far, until Chris came over to visit. His first words were, “that looks like Sh*t, you’re doing it all wrong.” Although harsh, as mentioned, he had no problem rolling up his sleeves and helping me fix it, although it was more like him just taking over and doing it himself but there was no denying, he was right! And he was an expert craftsman, and the results were amazing. Chris also loved driving fast and if you were going to hang out with Chris you needed to be prepared for an adventure and that usually involved a car. My memorable one was him driving us through a construction area in the dead of night, gas floored, pulling up the hand break to go sideways, driving straight through a porta potty, somehow coming out into a neighborhood, hitting a curb, and ending up with 3 out of the 4 wheels on his Baretta. The cops show up and somehow Chris manages to talk his way out of getting into trouble with the law. We all know how much Chris loved his dog Taz, but Spencer was everything to Chris and there wasn’t a single conversation where he did not mention his son. Chris always mentioned that he wished he could spend more time and do more with Spencer. Once the grandkids came along, they became his other joy in life. Chris is a great man, and I will sorely miss him, but I am eternally grateful for all the fond memories I have of him.
Bob and I are so very sorry to hear this Bonnie. I know you will greatly miss your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I had the pleasure becoming Chris’s friend through our employment at Saint Joe’s in the ER. To say he had a great sense of humor and loved pulling pranks is a mild statement, but every night was exciting whether it was because of the ER or Chris’s presence. He was a very kind and giving person. I am going to miss chatting with him via messenger as we had recently reconnected. I’m very sorry for your loss
“Marines die, that’s what we’re here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means YOU will live forever.” – GySgt. Hartman
Life was exciting and fun when Chris was around. Never a dull moment. We met working in the ER at St Joseph’s, and became friends! So many great memories with allot of laughter. Bonnie, I’m so sorry that Chris is gone. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.