Pastor Murry L. Tucker
Pastor Murry Lee Tucker
A Life Devoted to Faith, Family, and Service
Born on June 2, 1952, to parents Willie Tucker and Mary McCoy in Dermott, Arkansas, Pastor Murry Lee Tucker lived a life marked by unwavering faith, dedicated service, and profound love for his family and community. At age 73, he peacefully transitioned from this earthly life to his eternal home.
A Life of Ministry and Service
Pastor Tucker answered the call of faith at an early age, which blossomed into a lifelong commitment to ministry that would impact countless lives across the nation. He served as Pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church, where his dynamic preaching and discerning theological insights touched the hearts of many. As a Speaker of the National Baptist Convention, he served in leadership for three decades and also held the honored position of Elder in the Church of God in Christ.
Above all, Pastor Tucker was a devoted student of the Word. He found great joy in studying scripture, often immersing himself in its depths through rigorous exegesis and prayful reflection. He was a dynamic preacher and a discerning theologian who loved both the craft and the calling of proclaiming the Gospel. As a lifelong learner of preachers, sermons, and sacred texts, his passion inspired those around him to study more deeply and preach more effectively.
Educator and Mentor
Pastor Tucker’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of spiritual leaders was evident in his role as educator, mentor, and teacher to various young pastors and preachers throughout the country. He was beloved by so many sons in the gospel, to whom his deep commitment, tireless efforts, and generous spirit was a constant source of inspiration and guidance.
His academic pursuits included earning a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Counseling from Arkansas Baptist College, along with numerous academic certifications that enhanced his ability to serve others.
A Heart for Community Service
Beyond his ministerial calling, Pastor Tucker demonstrated his commitment to community service through his distinguished career as a Pulaski County Sheriff for 16 years and as a bus driver for the Little Rock School District for 20 years. His dedication to serving others extended far beyond the pulpit.
A Loving Family Man
Pastor Tucker was lovingly married to his devoted wife, Annie Kendrick-Tucker, for 21 years. Their beautiful love story began when they knew each other as teenagers, and they joyfully reunited decades later. Together, they shared a passion for ministry, traveling, and fishing until his health began to fail. Pastor Tucker was known as the peacemaker and stabilizer during challenging times, always putting family first with his warm heart and generous spirit.
He was a warm and wonderful person who could brighten anyone’s day with his smile and always had kind words for everyone he met or knew.
Pastor Tucker’s loving heart extended beyond his immediate family to embrace many “bonus children” whom he raised and nurtured as his own. His home was always open, and his paternal love knew no bounds as he provided guidance, support, and unconditional love to countless young people who found in him a father figure and mentor. These children, though not born to him, were treasured members of his heart and family.
Celebrating His Legacy
Pastor Tucker leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, love, and service. He is survived by his devoted wife Annie Kendrick-Tucker; his loving mother Mary McCoy; sons Patrick Tucker, DeVonie Cunning, and Brandon MacDonald; daughter LaToya Cunning; brothers Pastor John Payne (Brenda) and Troy Tucker (Betty); sisters Detrice White, Tolise Henson, Sharon McCoy, Lounda McCoy, and LaTonya Moore; aunts Oneader O’Donald, Bessie Giles, and Hester Griffin; uncles John Griffin (Roseanna) and Harold Griffin; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father Willie Tucker, son Rodney Tucker, and daughters Michelle MacDonald and Shannon Cunning.
Special Recognition
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Desmond Cunning and Grover Casy Jr. for their special assistance and loving care during Pastor Tucker’s final days. Special thanks are also extended to the compassionate medical facilities that provided exceptional care during this time: Baptist Health Spring Hill, Lakewood Rehabilitation, and the Blossom Rehabilitation Center in North Little Rock.
Pastor Murry Lee Tucker’s life serves as a testament to the power of faith, the importance of family, and the impact of dedicated service to others. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide all who were blessed to know him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your lord.” – Matthew 25:23