Willie Tucker Jr.

Sunrise for Mr. Willie Tucker, Jr. occurred on Tuesday April 8, 1941, in Union, South Carolina. He is the fourth of nine children born to the union of Bertha Mae and Willie Tucker, Sr. As was commonly the case for African Americans seeking a better quality of life, Willie Sr. moved the family from Union to Weirton, West Virginia for employment in the Weirton Steel Mill. During the time that Willie Jr. attended elementary and junior high school, Weirton Schools were segregated. Consequently, he attended the all-black Dunbar Elementary and Junior High until the end of eighth grade. Just as he was entering senior high school, segregation was reversed so Willie attended Weir High School. There he played basketball and ran track. He graduated in 1959. His athleticism netted him a basketball scholarship to attend Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. On December 2, 1962, Willie became a Charter Member of Epsilon Delta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Majoring in art and physical education, and minoring in English, Willie was awarded his Bachelor of Education Degree from Marshall in June 1964. Later that summer, on July 4, 1964, he wed his college sweetheart, Miss Barbara Ann Diggs. Upon graduation, Mr. Tucker gained employment for one year as an art teacher at Oak Glen High School, in New Cumberland, West Virginia. Seeking greater employment opportunities, the Tuckers decide to relocate. They chose Toledo because several college friends and acquaintances had settled here. Willie’s initial employment was teaching art at Spencer Sharples High School. He also served as coach of the boys’ basketball team. In 1968, the Spencer Sharples School System was dissolved by the State of Ohio. As a result, Mr. Tucker sought and obtained employment with the Toledo Public Schools. His first assignment was teaching English at Glenwood Elementary. Eventually, Mr. Tucker was reassigned to Jesup W. Scott High School. At Scott, he first taught art. For a time, he left TPS and worked instead for the Chrysler Learning Program Inc. When that program ended, Mr. Tucker returned to Scott as a Special Education Teacher. After earning his Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Toledo, he was appointed to the position of Dean of Men at Scott High School. Commonly known simply as “Tucker”, Willie was recognized throughout Metropolitan Toledo as an accomplished artist. However, his expertise was not limited to the classroom or the canvas. He was a stellar, in high demand, prolific, interior and exterior house painter. Teamed primarily with painting partners James Mulligan and Jonathan White, Mr. Tucker often led painting expeditions, especially during summers, to destinations in Georgia, Arkansas, Michigan, and Indiana. Willie accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. In 2012, he was recognized for 50 years of membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In retirement, Mr. Tucker continued to paint until failing health prevented him from continuing to do so. He was predeceased by his parents Bertha Mae and Willie, Sr, brother Jesse and his wife Frankie Mae, brother William and his wife Rose Ann and sister Gladys Mae Young. Willie is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Barbara Ann Diggs Tucker, sons Allen Daniel (Bonnie “BJ”), Eric Jamal (Michelle), grandsons Eric Jefferson and Grant Harrison, brothers Sylvester (Elmira), and Robert, sisters Carrie (Leon) Good, Betty Rollins, Rebecca (Donald) Turner, brother-in-law Leroy Daniel (Jane) Diggs and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends.

Willie Tucker Jr.

April 8, 1941 - March 14, 2023