Mike Tucker

Mike Yarbro Tucker, affectionately known as "Grandy," passed away at the age of 89. A long-time resident of Cumming, Georgia, Mike was born on November 25, 1936, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, to the late Ebalee Yarbro and Henry Thomas Tucker.

A 1954 graduate of Dyersburg High School, Mike’s work ethic was evident early on as he delivered the local newspaper, The State Gazette. It was during these high school years that he met the love of his life, Gwendolyn Jane Roberts. The two were wed on November 20, 1955, at the First Christian Church in Dyersburg, beginning a beautiful 70-year journey together.

Mike’s career in the baking industry began in high school as a helper for Tastee Bread. Following graduation, he joined Hart’s Bread in Memphis, where his dedication led to a promotion to Sales Manager in 1969. In 1976, Mike was recruited as the National Sales Manager for Sta-Fresh Buns in Atlanta, Georgia working for owner L. S. Hartzog. He held multiple executive roles with escalating responsibilities until the company was acquired by Flowers Industries, from which he retired in 2000.

While his professional career was distinguished, Mike found his greatest joy in retirement. As "Grandy," he became a fixture in the daily lives of his grandchildren, Marcus and Hannah—cooking them breakfast every morning and handling the daily school commute. He also found peace and purpose at Walnut Hill Farm, where he enjoyed gardening and tending to the animals.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Mike grew up cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Memphis State Tigers. His loyalty to the New York Giants was personal, rooted in his close friendship with high school classmate Phillip “The Chief” King. After moving to Georgia, he became a devoted Atlanta Braves fan, rarely missing a chance to watch the legendary pitching of Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz, or the home runs of Dale Murphy and Chipper Jones.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sisters, Lois and Louise; his parents-in-law, J.C. Roberts and Mary Roberts Phillips; his step-father-in-law, James A. Phillips; and sisters-in-law, Patsy Cole Tucker and Patty Borden Pott. Coming from a large, close-knit family, he held a special place in his heart for his many aunts and uncles who went before him.

His legacy of love and family continues through his devoted wife of 70 years, Jane Roberts Tucker; his children, Donna Tucker Stoltz and Scott Yarbro Tucker (Jan); his grandchildren, Marcus Scott Tucker (Jackie) and Hannah Tucker Darsey (Brad); and his four great-grandchildren, Eren Marcus Tucker, Lucas Calton Tucker, Griffin Schmidt, and Anna Jane Darsey. He is also survived by his siblings, Henry Fay “Bubba” Tucker and Linda Tucker Burnett (Alvin), along with numerous nieces and nephews who dearly loved him.

Honorary Pallbearers: Marcus Tucker, Brad Borden, Brad Darsey, Tommy Tucker, Phil Barker, Mark Cook, Griffin Schmidt. Junior Pallbearers: Eren Tucker and Lucas Tucker

Donations may be made to St. Jude or a charity of your choice in Mike’s honor.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 7 at McDonald And Son Funeral Home from 10 AM until 12:30 PM. The Funeral Service will follow in the chapel of McDonald And Son Funeral Home at 12:30 PM.

Special thanks to Capstone Hospice for their wonderful care.