Bob Tuck

Bob Dean Tuck (Pop)

January 8, 1931 - June 11, 2024

On the morning of June 11, 2024, Bob Dean Tuck (Pop) passed away at his home in Santa Maria at the age of 93.

Bob was born on January 8, 1931, in Glendale, Arizona, to Juanita O. Sayles and Jess W. Tuck. He was raised by his mother Juanita and stepfather Robert Sayles. At an early age, the family relocated to Highgate, Missouri, when Robert Sayles was asked to operate his uncle's farm, which was a challenge due to having no electricity or running water. However, the family made the long journey back to California when Robert Sayles was drafted into the Navy and settled on the Central Coast, where Bob spent 80 years of his life.

Bob attended Santa Maria High School. In 1952, Bob was called upon to serve his country. He served in the United States Army and was stationed for a time in South Korea during the Korean War. Bob used his professional expertise and aided in the maintenance of the vehicles of the ground forces.

Bob was employed by Bob Nolan Lincoln Mercury. Years later, he became a painter at Stewart Oldsmobile. In 1967, he began working at the automotive paint store owned by Lloyd Matthews. Several years later, Matthews retired and sold the business to Bob in a handwritten contract, and Custom Colors was born. As the business grew, a new facility was constructed. Bob considered this a lifetime accomplishment and was grateful to everyone who assisted in turning this dream into a reality. After 36 years of owning Custom Colors, Bob retired and transferred the business to his eldest son Alan.

Family meant the world to Bob, which was evident in how he lived his life and by the choices he made. He met the love of his life, Carol Tuck, in high school. The two married in 1951. They were blessed with three beautiful children: Alan, Dean, and Karen. Bob adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spoiled them. He made sure that they always "washed behind their ears."

There wasn't a stranger that Bob met. He was the type of person who would walk into a room, whistling a catchy tune, and start a conversation with a complete stranger. His compassionate, humorous, and laid-back personality made him a beacon of light, attracting people from all walks of life. Outside of his fascination with cars, Bob loved to keep up with current events by reading the newspaper and watching news broadcasts. He also enjoyed watching classic films and TV shows, especially comedies and westerns.

Bob is survived by his brother Sam Sayles of Arroyo Grande, California, his son Alan Tuck (Deborah) of Arroyo Grande, California, his son Dean Tuck (Patricia) of Nipomo, California, and his daughter Karen Apple of Santa Maria, California.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Natalie Rowell (Jeremy) of Denair, California; Bailey Nahrgang (Taylor) of Fort Worth, Texas; Shelby Barry (Levi) of McCammon, Idaho; Joshua Apple of Houston, Texas; Brook Litzinger (Lee) of Arroyo Grande, California; and nine wonderful great-grandchildren.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife Carol Tuck, his parents Robert and Juanita Sayles, and his brother Jess Tuck.

A visitation and memorial service will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary Chapel located at 1003 E. Stowell Rd in Santa Maria, California. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., service commences at 10:30 a.m. followed by burial at the Santa Maria Cemetery. A celebration of life will promptly occur afterward at Rancho Arroyo Hondo located at 111 Hans Place in Nipomo, California.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone for your prayers and support through this most difficult time, as well as your friendship over the years.

Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.