Dr. Milton Tucker

A proud East Texan, Dr. Milton Tucker, botany professor at Freed-Hardeman University for 41 years, found a new home in West Tennessee when he came to Freed-Hardeman College in 1958 as a college freshman. It didn’t take long for him to meet Patricia Bingham, a petite brunette from Jacks Creek. Their courtship resulted in a marriage that endured for 64 years, most of it spent in Jacks Creek. No one who heard him talk about her could doubt his love for her. She was forever his girl. The tears in his eyes told you so.

After his two years at Freed-Hardeman, Milton completed a bachelor’s degree at Memphis State University—followed by a Ph.D. in botany from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He joined the FHC faculty in 1965. Generations of students remember him as a teacher who taught more than his subject matter, which he knew well. He began his classes by reading scripture, frequently from Proverbs, and a prayer. He loved God’s creation, but he loved the Creator more. His students knew that by his words and his deeds. Students also knew that, however challenging his class was, Dr. Tucker truly cared about them.

Milton was generous—with both individuals and institutions. Mid-South Youth Camp’s dining hall bears the Tucker name, as do FHU’s intercollegiate softball field and three separate scholarship funds. He built cradles for babies and doll cradles, which he gave to his younger friends. He also built wooden toys and puzzles for many children he loved. His yard was filled with flowers, particularly, but not exclusively, roses.

Ever the teacher, in his retirement he posted photographs of wildflowers, complete with common and scientific names and sometimes the habitat. He developed and taught for several years a course he called Stalking Wild Foods. Milton and his students tromped through the woods, hills, and valleys, seeking edible wild foods—which his wife, Patricia, faithfully cooked.

Having grown up on a dairy farm, Milton knew about hard work. He raised beef cattle on his Jacks Creek farm in addition to teaching and preaching.

He devoted five decades to preaching the gospel at the New Bethany Church of Christ in Hardeman County. He later worshiped with the Estes Church of Christ, forming lasting connections with those around him. Interacting with the children brought him special joy.

Milton went to his eternal home on February 20, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bingham Tucker of Jacks Creek; daughter Rayla Tucker Black and husband Greg of Montgomery, Alabama; son Charles Tucker and wife Laurie of Jacks Creek; six grandchildren: Alex and wife Hannah, Lucas, Anna, Tucker, John Mark, and Olivia Ann; one great-grandson Charles Evan; and brother, Buddy Bankhead and wife, Betty. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dovie Tucker Bankhead; father, Charles Worthy Tucker; and brother, James Moffett. His legacy of faith, knowledge, and unwavering dedication to those he loved will live on in his family, his friends, and his students.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tucker Family scholarships at Freed-Hardeman University.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Monday, Feb. 24th at Estes Church of Christ with Charles, Alex, and Lucas Tucker and Tucker and John Mark Black as speakers. Burial will follow at Unity Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Estes Church of Christ 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Saturday, February 22nd and Monday, February 24th from 12 noon until 2 :00 PM service time. 

Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson 731-989-2421