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Obituaries

Obituary for Col. Albert Sidney Johnston Tucker Jr. Col. Albert Sidney Johnston Tucker Jr.
World War II Air Corps Veteran Was Pilot, Author, Musician

Col. Albert Sidney Johnston Tucker Jr., USAF retired, of Lexington, Virginia, peacefully returned home to his Father in Heaven on October 6, 2021, just three days following his 100th birthday.

He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Barbara Mary Hicks, who predeceased him in 2005, and with his oldest son, Albert S J Tucker III, who predeceased him on April 30, 2020.

Son Al, together with his wife, Deborah Klipp Tucker, moved to the area in 2005 and devoted many years of service to the Colonel as primary caregivers. All above mentioned have faithfully served their family and community as exemplary members of the St. Patrick’'s Catholic Parish in Lexington.

Born October 3, 1921 in Lexington, Ky., to a military family, Colonel Tucker's passions for aviation and sailing were ignited at a young age. A graduate of West Point as an Army Air Corps officer in 1943 he immediately entered World War II, assigned to 434th Fighter Squadron, 479th Fighter Group in England, flying the P-38 Lightning over D-Day, as well as bomber escort and attack missions until shot down over occupied France and taken prisoner of war into Germany.

His life during military service and subsequent retirement years brought adventures in travel throughout the world, most often accompanied by his wife and family. His notable skills for flying were demonstrated well into his 90's, including a flight on his 96th birthday in the PT-17 Stearman biplane, of the same vintage he trained in as a young West Point cadet, still able to execute takeoffs, cross-wind landings, and multiple maneuvers. His mastery in sailing was no less impressive.

Colonel Tucker's other talents included co-authoring with Matthew W. Paxton IV the publication of "Pacific Clipper, The Untold Story." He was also accomplished in music, navigation, public speaking, organization in community projects such as the Rockbridge Area Food Pantry, general operations of HAM radio, and a host of practical skills applied to provident country living. For many years he faithfully visited sick and elderly friends, relatives and members of the community.

Known for his unfailing devotion to God, family and the cause of liberty, and his enduring character as a consummate gentleman, this beloved father and friend will be remembered to all who knew him as among the best of his generation.

Colonel Tucker is survived by daughter-in-law, Deb Tucker of Lexington; son, John and wife, Sandy Tucker of Lexington; daughter, Susan and husband, Norman Brander (deceased) of Warrenton; daughter, Leslie and husband, Ronald F. DeYoung of Lexington, and daughter, Kathryn and husband, Wilbur Vitols of New Bern, N.C. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren include grandson, Rusty and wife, Amanda Tucker; great grandchildren, Lucy and S.J. Tucker of Peoria, Ariz.; granddaughter, Rachael Tucker of Roanoke; grandson, Matthew and wife, Cara Tucker; great grandson, George Tucker of Charlotte, N.C.; granddaughter, Jessica and husband, Jared Christensen of McKinney, Texas; grandson, Timothy and wife, Jamie Loose; great granddaughters Evie, Rowan and Thea of Carthage, N.C.; grandson, Casey and wife, Katie Loose of Carthage, N.C.; grandson, Martin and wife, Amber Tucker, and great grandchildren, Henry and Ava Tucker of Fort Lewis, Wash.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Arrangements are being handled Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.