Thomas Grant "Tommy" Shuck

The family of Thomas Grant Shuck are heartbroken to say that he completed his life here on October 27, 2025, at 97 years of age. He left behind his "sweetheart" and cherished wife of 60 years, Amy Colleen Eversole Shuck, and his much loved and grateful children: Vickie (David) Case, Terry (Benjie) Guion, Gretchen (Michel) Sanderson, and TG (Suzanne) Shuck Jr. Two children preceded him in death, Grant Stephen (at 2 ½ months) and Tommie Lou Shuck ( 37), as well as his parents, Philip Gunther Shuck and Mary Elizabeth Shuck. He also leaves four grandchildren who gave him pure joy: Lauren Jean Case, Sydney Delaine Shuck, Brooklyn Elise Shuck, and Raleigh Catharine Shuck. Tommy has also left his younger brother Steve (Lorie) Shuck and his daughters, Kerry, Kelly, and Trisha.
His best friend of almost 90 years, Charlie (Jock) Sutherland, who met when both were sent to a TB sanitarium in 1937, preceded him in death on November 20, 2023.
We have been blessed to have had any amazing group of caregivers from Home Instead who have loved and cared for Tommy and Amy for more than two years. They have become an integral part of our family, and we are immensely grateful for their dedication to all of us.
Tommy was an honorable man. He was abundantly kind to every person, no matter who they were or how they treated him. He rarely if ever spoke badly of people. He did not gossip, always gave people the benefit of the doubt and always forgave immediately and forever.
During different seasons of his life, he sold the Jelly rolls his mother Lizzie made door to door, he was on the track team, played in the high school band and in a local dance band called "the Kentucky Knights". He was a lifeguard at old Joyland Park, attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and joined the Marines in 1946. After leaving the service, he won the Lexington Welterweight Golden Glove boxing competition to raise money for charity. He served in The Sertoma Club of Lexington, an organization that raised money to support a boys ranch.
He was the hardest working man any of us have ever known, often holding down several jobs to support his family. He was most proud of being known as the "Hot Dog Man" after opening Tommy's Drive-in on Harrodsburg Road in the 1960's. Following his time at the drive-in, he worked in real estate as a realtor, a broker, and later started Shuck Appraisal Company. His daughter Gretchen joined him in the venture, and they worked together until he turned 90 years old. Gretchen continues the practice today. He rarely did anything just for him, but when he did, it involved a putter and a driver and much frustration. Time working in the yard was also a pleasure and he capped it off by hitting little plastic balls into the back fence.
When we think of him now and in days to come, we will remember the affirmation and acceptance in his eyes for his children, the way he spoke of the everlasting love for his wife, and his delight when grandchildren entered the house.
And we will remember his three offers of wisdom: "Be kind and work hard" "You gotta take the good with the bad".and "That's why they make chocolate and vanilla." He was a rare and wonderful man, and our lives without him will be forever changed.
He leaves this world knowing that heaven opens wide for those of us who belong to Jesus. He knew we did not have to earn that path, we only had to believe and trust in Him, and he did.
Funeral services for Tommy will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, October 31, 2025, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home-Harrodsburg Road. Visitation will be 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Friday, October 31st at the funeral home. Burial will be private.
If so inclined, we would love financial support for God's Pantry or any other local food bank.