John Wrayburn Tucker

1938 - 2021

TUCKER, John Wrayburn, 83, of Rockville, Virginia, passed away July 18, 2021. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary Elizabeth Gillig Tucker and Jack Grady Tucker; his sister, Malinda Tucker McKay; and his brother, Jack G. Tucker Jr. He is survived by his wife, Anne Nichols Tucker; his daughter, Elizabeth "Betsy" Tucker Bray; a beloved son-in-law, Scott Emery Bray; his adored grandsons, Emery Tucker Bray and Harrison Brooks Bray; and a sister, Susan Tucker Malott of Danville, Kentucky. John's many nieces and nephews were also very dear to him; as well as his brother-in-law, Phil McKay; and sister-in-law, Deedie Tucker. John was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on May 27, 1938. He graduated from Bourbon County High School and attended the University of Kentucky before embarking on a long and distinguished career with American Tobacco Co. He was Vice President of Manufacturing when he retired in 1994. John then began breeding race horses, and he and Anne raised many winners from a small band of broodmares at their Hanover County farm. Local racing fans may recall Boltin' Out, horse of the meet in 2013 at Colonial Downs. John was an avid reader and a big sports fan. Besides horse racing, he loved Kentucky basketball. His father, Jack, was captain of the team under Adolph Rupp. Above all, John was a devoted father and loved spending time with his grandsons. A friend to everyone he met, John will be missed by many. More than one of John's friends and colleagues have referred to him as "a fine Kentucky gentleman." A graveside service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 2 p.m. Please consider wearing Kentucky Wildcat blue if you are able to attend. Condolences may be left at Blileys.com. Donations in John's memory may be made to The New Community School (tncs.org/support) or the James River Horse Foundation (jamesriverhorses.org).