Bobbie Earl Tucker Sr.

1940 - 2020

Bobbie Earl Tucker, Sr.

Petal, MS - Bobbie Earl Tucker, Sr., 80, of Petal, MS passed away December 3, 2020 at Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg, MS. Bobbie was born September 19, 1940 at home in Hattiesburg, MS, the oldest of 15 children to Allen and Mavis Eleta (Brewer) Tucker. He attended Walthall Elementary, Hawkins Jr High, graduating from Hattiesburg High School, a member of the Class of 1958. On October 1st of '58, Bobbie enlisted in the US Navy, learning mechanic fundamentals, aircraft mechanics and working on F6 Hellcats. His deployment to the USS Forrestal (CV-59), a Supercarrier in the 6th fleet, took him on two tours to the Mediterranean before transferring to the Kingsville, TX aircraft training squadron. Bobbie was honorably discharged September 30, 1964 as a petty officer, 2nd class E5. While in the Navy, he married Colita Moonyean Spiers of Hattiesburg, October 1st of 1960. They had 2 sons; Bobbie Earl Tucker, Jr. (9/61) and Terrence Shane Tucker (6/64). In October, 1963 he entered the Los Angeles Police Academy. After graduation, he served for 8 years as a patrolman then motorcycle officer. In that same period, he earned his fixed wing pilot's license achieving his VFR/IFR and multi-engine ratings and was accepted into the LAPD helicopter training program. He flew with the LAPD Air Support Division and served as Chaplain for 22 years, as well as Chief Maintenance Officer over a fleet of 16 helicopters and two airplanes during his last 10 years on the force. Bobbie was a member and past President of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association. While in California, he and his wife Moonyean were active members of Liberty Temple Church of God in Arleta, and The Church on the Way in Van Nuys. One of his proudest accomplishments in life was graduating from the Kings Institute Bible College, as he had a deep love for God's Word.

After 30 years of service, Bobbie retired from the LAPD in March '93 after his wife Moonyean's diagnosis of cancer and returned to their birthplace, at her request, where she passed away that July. After her death he began piloting Rescue 7 helicopter and soon after, became the Director of Operations for the South East MS Air Ambulance District. Bobbie was there for 22 years, while simultaneously serving as pastor at Rivers of Life Church in Petal, MS until 2016. On March 19, 1994, Bobbie married Joy Lynn (Wilson) Rugg of Markleysburg, PA with four children (Jeremy, Joshua, Joel, and Janelle). Again, a diagnosis of cancer and a request to go home brought Bobbie to retirement in 2016, to support her through medical treatments in PA. After her passing in February 2018, Bobbie returned home to Petal and later that year met Kay Gaston Leihr. They married October 13, 2018 because as he put it, he understood the brevity of life all too well and was too old to put things off. They made their home in Petal and faithfully served at Rivers of Life Church. Bobbie was also a member of the United Evangelists Association and the VFW in Petal. Reflecting at his 80th birthday party, Bobbie is quoted as saying, "When I look back on my life, I can see how the hand of God was leading me. I couldn't have scripted it any better." Bobbie will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all whose life he touched.

Bobbie was preceded by his parents, Allen & Mavis Tucker; five sisters: Patricia, Mariette, Miriam, Ruth and Rebecca; his first wife of 32 years, Moonyean; his second wife of 24 years, Joy and his step-son Jeremy Rugg. Left to cherish his memories are: his current wife Kay of Petal; two sons: Bobbie Earl, Jr (Michelle) Tucker and Terrence Shane (Gloria) Tucker of Hattiesburg, with three step children: Joshua, Joel and Janelle Rugg, all of Markleysburg, PA; his siblings: Linda Sparks, Diane (Harvey) Thompson and Faith Best, all of TX; Marilyn (Maurice) Cameron of Pass Christian; Janice Kraft, Paul (Karen) Tucker, Allen Tucker and John Mark (Lindy) Tucker, all of CA, and Esther White of GA. Bobbie leaves a legacy of six grandchildren: David Shane Tucker, Jenna Kristen Tucker, Elise Marie Tucker, Matthew Cody Keakaokalani Tage (Brittany) Tucker, Michael Austin Koakaulanaaliinuiokalani Axel (Stefani) Tucker and Zachary Tyler Kaleihokuokalani Hans (Deborah) Tucker, with nine great-grands and numerous extended family and friends across the country.

Funeral Services are set for Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Rivers of Life Church, 1425 Carterville Rd., Petal, MS 39465. Visitation begins at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Afterward Bobbie will be laid to rest in the Dixie Baptist Church Cemetery, with military honors. Those planning to attend should follow all recommended guidelines with regard to covid-19. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Tucker family in their time of need, asking everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.