Charles Tucker

Charles L. Tucker, 94, of North Little Rock, departed this life on May 20, 2021. He was born in Faulkner Gap, Arkansas, to the late Fred Hardie Tucker and Rosa Lee Wilkins Tucker. Charles was the youngest of eight children. He was preceded in death by his parents, all seven siblings, and his wife, Billye Margaret Dutherage Tucker.

In 1943, at the age of seventeen, Charles enlisted in the US Navy. He was assigned to USS Fanning (DD-385) and became a radio operator. The Fanning served in the Pacific theater during WWII and was involved in numerous battles, including Iwo Jima and Saipan. Charles received an honorable discharge from the Navy on December 7, 1945.

Charles married the love of his life, Billye Dutherage in 1946. They were married for over fifty years and had three children. Some of their best times were spent camping in their travel trailer at Lake Ouachita. Charles and Billye were members of Baring Cross Baptist Church in North Little Rock for many years.

He joined the Arkansas Army National Guard full time in 1949 and was assigned to the 212th Signal Battalion where he served as the supervisor in the Electronics Maintenance Shop at Camp Robinson. Charles was part of the federalized National Guard troops called out by President Eisenhower to Central High School in 1957 during the integration crisis. He retired in 1986 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4th Class (CW4).

Charles enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling, Razorback sports, and going to races at Oaklawn. In his younger days, he was an accomplished bowler and participated in several leagues at Pike Lanes. Charles always looked forward to the annual Bridges Squirrel Camp at Brady Mountain. He was a kind and quiet spirit, with several friends affectionately calling him “Uncle Charles.” He loved his family dearly and will be missed by many.

He is survived by his children, Diana Tucker, Cynthia Kay Verheul (Doug), Eric W. Tucker (Joanna) and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, between 5pm-7pm at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR. Graveside service will be private.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.