Marshall Atkins Tucker, Drakes Branch, 91

Marshall Atkins Tucker of Drakes Branch passed away peacefully January 6, 2014, surrounded by family at his daughter’s home in Farmville.  He was born in Drakes Branch on May 12, 1922, the last child of the late Ernest L. and Lydia Roller Tucker.  He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Wilma Atkinson and Ruth Cust, and his brother, Ernest L. Tucker, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Dorothy Jenkins; two daughters, Deborah Kennedy (David Hobgood) and Linda Varner (Dr. Lawrence C. Varner), four grandchildren, Lydia Garrett (Jason), Thomas Varner (Megan), Joseph Varner and friend (Morgan Greene) and John-Marshall Varner; three great-grandchildren, Morgan Garrett, Caitlyn Baker, Megan Garrett and a fourth, soon to be born, great-grandson, Robert Tucker Varner;  numerous nieces and nephews and a special friend, Mike Smith, who helped throughout the years on the farm.

Marshall proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII. He fought in the battles of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe.  Decorations and citations received included the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, WWII Victory Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon and a lapel button issued for no days lost.

He was a faithful member of Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church.  He was a retired supervisor at Burlington Industries and a farmer.  He also was a member of the Charlotte County American Legion and Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1964.  He was one of the first recipients of the Charlotte County H. A. Carrington Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy’s Military Service Award.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2014, 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery.  Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Puckett Funeral Home in Farmville.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Virginia or to the Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church Cemetery Foundation.  Puckett Funeral Home is serving the family.  www.puckettfh.com.