Roy Cain Tucker was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, February 9, 1929. The family migrated to New York City the following year. He attended schools in New York City and in January, 1946 he graduated from high school, but had to wait until February to enlist in the Army Air Corps. His tour of duty was spent in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1948.

He married the former Evelyn M. Long of Respass Street, Washington, NC, in November 1952. They have two daughters, Stephanie, who resides in New York and Alessandria, who resides in Greenville, NC.

Roy was employed for thirty years as an air-conditioning and heating technician. His last eight years Roy served as the shop steward. He was always able to resolve union disputes without involving union delegates.

Following his retirement in 1982, he invested in a “QuickPrint” franchise. After training in Ohio, he operated the business for five years and then decided to retire again. He sold his business and moved to Chocowinity, NC in July 1987.

Roy was transferred to Post # 15 from Raleigh as its first African American Legionnaire. His greeting was civil and he became a district commander, a position he held for over five years. Due to turmoil in the Post, Roy resigned from his position, as district commander, to become the commander of Post # 15.

Roy is a 32nd degree Mason. He was the community coordinator and past president of the AARP. He was a member and past president of the Beaufort County Arts Council, served on the advisory board of the Alzheimer’s Demonstration Grant Program and volunteered as a caretaker in Williamston, NC. Roy received the Governor’s Award for Volunteerism in 1995. He counseled “Willie M” boys for Lutheran Family Services, was one of the initial officers of the “Relay for Life” program and volunteered to transport cancer patients to chemotherapy. Roy’s last volunteer service was on the board of directors for the restoration of the Turnage Theater.

Roy served two years as president of the Lutheran Men in Missions. He was the only African American member of the Executive Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America North and South Carolina Synod. He was secretary of the Coastal Conference of Lutheran Churches from Wilmington, NC to Washington, NC. His duties included speaking engagements and bestowing awards on deserving Lutheran men.

I hope I made a difference as I passed this way.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Tucker family.