John Walter Tucker Jr.

1925 - 2014

Tucker Jr., John Passed away peacefully and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. He was 88. A third-generation Orlando native, Walter was born August 30, 1925 to John Walter Tucker, Sr. and Daisy Zeigler Tucker. As early settlers, the Tucker family moved from Georgia to Central Florida in 1867. They came in covered wagons drawn by oxen and drove several head of cattle. On their journey, they camped at Lake Weir one night and were attacked by wolves, but survived. They first settled in Ft. Christmas and then in Orlando. Walter grew up in Orlando and then watched as his small hometown grew up to become a world destination. He attended local schools and the University of Florida where he was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He served in the US Army Air Corps in WWII and in the Air Force Reserve. Walter met the love of his life, Marjorie Sommer, on a blind date. They married June 18, 1949 and had three children, Jill, Trip, and Peter. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year.A respected civic and business leader, Walter truly loved his work, landing his first job at a local drugstore at the age of 12. He never really retired, still driving to his office every day at the age of 85. Walter was President and CEO of Tucker & Branham, Inc., an Orlando-based insurance, real estate, and mortgage banking firm. He served on the Board of Governors of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, as President of the Central Florida Development Committee, and Mid Florida Association of Home Builders. He was one of the founding board members of the First at Orlando Corporation (now SunTrust Banks, Inc.).From 1978 to 1987, Walter also served as CEO of Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc., a steel and wire manufacturer in Peoria, Illinois and Dallas, Texas. His business experience enabled him to serve as a corporate director of a number of public companies including SunBank, N.A., SunTrust Banks, Inc., United Telephone Co. of Florida, Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc., Valhi, Inc., Valmont Insurance Co., AMCORP, Inc., Columbian Mutual Life Insurance Co., Excelsior Insurance Co. of New York, Washington National Insurance Co. of New York, and Columbia Life Insurance Co.Although business took him around the country, his hometown was always important to him and he helped to shape its future. He enjoyed serving on many local boards, including Rollins College, Winter Park Memorial Hospital, Florida Symphony Orchestra, and Trinity Preparatory School.Walter loved his Lord and his church, All Saints Church of Winter Park, where he was an active member for over 60 years serving on the Vestry as Treasurer and Sr. Warden. He enjoyed hunting and golfing with family and friends and was a member of the Country Club of Orlando, Winter Park Racquet Club, University Club of Orlando, Blowing Rock Country Club, and Hound Ears Club. He cherished spending vacation time with family in Blowing Rock, NC, and New Smyrna Beach. Walter was a loving father and husband. He lived a full, blessed life guided by his Lord and even with his many accomplishments, remained a humble, God-fearing, generous and gentle man.Walter was proceeded in death by his father, John Walter Tucker, Sr., his mother, Daisy Zeigler Tucker, and his brother, William Stanners Tucker. Walter is survived by his devoted wife Marjorie Sommer Tucker, his daughter Jill Tucker Read (Chuck), his sons John Walter Tucker, III (Liz) and Peter William Tucker, and two granddaughters, Katherine Sommer Tucker and Natalie Jean Tucker.A memorial service for Walter will be held at All Saints Church, Winter Park, FL on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bible Reading Fellowship, PO Box 380, Winter Park, FL 32790. Arrangements for Walter have been entrusted to Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home, Winter Park, FL. Please sign family guest registry at www.careyhandcoxparker.com.