July 24, 1939 - October 26, 2024
The memorial service for Gerald "Jerry" Leroy Tucker, 85, of Enid, will be 2:00PM, Friday November 1, 2024, at The First Presbyterian Church in Enid, Oklahoma. Cremation and arrangements are by Anderson-Burris Funeral Home & Crematory.
Gerald was born July 24, 1939, in Stuart, Oklahoma to Abson and Stella (Foster) Tucker and passed away on October 26, 2024.
Jerry married Tamra Hooper on December 22, 1979, in Guymon, Oklahoma. Gerald attended Allen Schools and then graduated from Duncan High School in Duncan, Oklahoma. He then graduated from the University of Oklahoma with his B.A., M.A., and PhD in music.
Jerry served as a minister of music at several churches and taught all levels of education from elementary through college. He was also a staff arranger and producer at Benson Sound Studios where he produced over 1,200 sacred and religious gospel recordings. Starting in 4th grade, he organized his first quartet and began singing professionally with the quartets at the age of 15. This was one of Jerry's favorite things to do. His last two quartets were here in Enid which consisted of a male quartet, A Lil’ Bit of Heaven, and a mixed quartet, Dab O’ Glory.
While attending The University of Oklahoma, Gerald was awarded outstanding composer. He composed a children’s musical entitled, “The Miracle Man”. Gerald also served as a musical director and conductor of Lyric Theater and was an artist in residence with the Oklahoma Arts Council. Gerald served in the US Army as an instructor in the Army School of Music, US Army Band, Soldiers Chorus, and Singing Sergeants. Gerald played taps for over 5,000 veterans’ funerals as he wanted every veteran to have a live bugler and ended up serving in the Buglers Across America and Taps Across America. Jerry was member of the First Presbyterian Church in Enid, Oklahoma.
Jerry is proceeded in death by his parents, Abson and Stella Tucker.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Tamra, two daughters, Melissa and husband Jwayne and Leslyn, brother-in-law, Rick Hooper and wife Diane. He is also survived by his grandchildren Marcy and Braden Chouteau, Haley and Ben Seiger, Phillip and Mary Hudson, Kendal and Lexy Conley, and Carson Conley. Great grandchildren Cooper Tate, Blakely Pearl, Keira Jean, Katelyn June, and Jackson Tucker. Gerald is also survived by several special nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, family, friends, and many students.
Memorials may be made through Anderson-Burris Funeral Home & Crematory to The Dr. Gerald L Tucker Scholarship of Fine Arts at the University of Oklahoma.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
