Todd Patrick Tucker

It has taken days for me to sit down to blog again and, tomorrow, I'll actually post some pictures from my brother-in-law Todd's funeral...mainly the fish fry that followed and our wonderful time spent with family. But, today, I wanted to share a few things with you that are stories I think need to be told and lessons that should be shared.

Ron's aunt Peggy hugged me at the visitation last Thursday night, told me how great it was to see me and then asked a question that I'm sure haunts all of us at one time or another, "Why is it that we can only seem to get together under these kinds of circumstances?" How right is she? We have great intentions of visiting, calling, thinking about our family and friends. But, one day just never seems to come until an occasion that we would rather not have to endour even to see loved family. I know that God uses everything for His purpose and I know without a doubt that God used Todd's life and his death for a multitude of purposes. If I could call Todd up right now and ask him what he would wish to have been accomplished from his death, here is what I think he would say:

First, do you know Jesus, the Saviour that Todd clung to during his battle with cancer. I'm ashamed to admit that I had no idea the depth of Todd's faith and relationship with Christ. I believe that there are people today who have found this same faith and relationship simply because of Todd. I know that it has affected my walk in magintudes.

Second, who, and what, is really, REALLY important in your life? Is it your God, family and friends? If not, re-evaluate today. Make it right....Todd and I used to chat about the sometimes crazy relationships in the family that we both married into. I can hear Todd today saying, "Aw, they're just family" on many an occasions. He'd be proud to know of the healing relationships and friendships that resulted from his life's influence.

Third, do you take time to notice the little things and not take anything for granted? Michelle told us about the last time Todd was able to go outside at MD Anderson and how he relished the wind on his face. Most of us never notice the wind, much less breath it in and savor it. Everytime I feel the wind now, I'll think of Todd and I'd like to think that will be his reminder to all of his family and friends -- "Enjoy life and don't ever take anything for granted". At the graveside service, the most amazing thing that I have ever experienced happened. When we arrived at this little church cemetary in the hills of NC, the air was still, quiet, hot and stifling. As the pastor began to tell the story of Todd and the wind, very gently the trees began to sway and suddenly the birds were singing. I thought, at first, that maybe I was just imagining it, but when Ron's cousin, Ashley, asked if I noticed, I knew then that it wasn't imagination or mere coincidence.

I think it is important to give God thanks for everything and to acknowledge His hand at times, even when at times like this it is hard to do. We have no doubt where Todd is right now (and, I have to admit that it just blows my mind to think that RIGHT NOW while I am writing this blog, Todd is worshipping God in Heaven! And, Todd knows what Jesus' face looks like....the thought gives me chills.) Please continue to keep my sister-in-law, Michelle, in your prayers. She is going to need them in the coming days. I know this was a long blog, thanks for bearing with me...I hope that something you read touched you....


Todd Patrick Tucker, 37, passed peacefully to join his Savior Jesus Christ on April 29, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer, with his loving family at his side. Born on March 4, 1969 in Albemarle, NC, he grew up in New London, NC nurtured by his mother, Evonda Snider, his father, Wayne Tucker, and his grandparents.

A member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, he graduated from Appalachian State University in 1995 with a Bachelors Degree in marketing. In 1999 he established his own company, Upper State Renovation, and was very successful in the renovation of apartment communities throughout the Southeast. Todd was married to Amy Michelle Johnson on October 16, 1999. They had a special love for each other and shared their affection with family, friends, and Bailey their Silky Terrier. In addition to being a Nascar fan, he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, playing golf, and fishing with family and friends.

Those who knew him saw Todd's loyalty and devotion to others as a special gift. For thirty-seven years Todd was appreciated and deeply loved by a wide circle of family and friends. During his illness, he touched many lives by his compassion for others, his Christian faith, and his quiet, courageous suffering.

Survivors include his wife, Amy Michelle Tucker; his mother Evonda Snider of Charlotte, NC; his father Wayne Tucker of Albemarle, NC; his grandparents, Rob and Evelen Hinson and Mick Cagle all of New London, NC.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 - 9:00pm at The Mackey Mortuary, Century Drive. Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00am at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Spartanburg, SC followed by graveside service at 4:00pm at Mountain Creek Primitive Baptist Church, New London, NC. The Reverend John Earnhardt and Gene Baker will officiate.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brant Pence, Ryan Johnson, Daniel Patterson, Jeb McEachern, Chris Domby, Ron Johnson, John Oveson, and Robby Rayburn.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be made in honor of Todd Tucker to MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210 in support of Hodgkins Cancer research.