James Wayne Tucker

On Sunday, December 18, 2022, James Wayne Tucker, Sr., of Springville, AL passed away following a long illness in his home surrounded by family. Wayne Tucker was born on August 10, 1941, to James Buster Tucker and Marie Tucker of Clay, AL. In his early years, Wayne attended Trussville schools until his family moved to Springville in 1957. Wayne graduated from Springville High School in 1959. Soon after high school, Wayne began working as a laborer for the Alabama State Highway Department. At the time, an interstate was being built through the small town of Springville. It was from this highway department office where Wayne first noticed the young school teacher who had just moved to Springville for her first teaching job. For weeks, she would walk by every day. One day, he finally mustered up the courage to meet and then court Nancy McQuary. In 1961, the two married in Meridian, MS, and made their home in Springville. In 1971, Wayne and Nancy moved into what was then known as the Foreman house in downtown Springville. It was there that the couple would raise their two children, welcome their beloved grandchildren, and open their doors in hospitality to friends from the community. The house was—and still is—well-known in the community. On occasion of the rare snowfall, eager children were never denied the opportunity to sled on the best hill in town. Wayne’s putting green installed on his front lawn became somewhat of a local landmark, iconic in city lore. It was in this dearly beloved family home where Wayne conversed with hundreds of friends who came by to visit over these last weeks, and where, on December 18th, he passed peacefully in his sleep. Wayne’s career with Alabama Department of Transportation spanned 43 years. He dutifully worked his way up from being a dollar-an-hour laborer to becoming one of the top civil engineers in Alabama. After his retirement, he continued to serve as an engineering consultant with Brown & Root Industrial Services. In addition to his personal career, Wayne was a dependable fixture in leading the City of Springville. At the time of his passing, he had served as a city councilman for 42 years and as mayor pro-tem for two consecutive terms. He always made decisions based on what he believed would be best for the city and its residents, and his constituents knew he was only a phone call away. For over 40 years, he oversaw the construction and maintenance of all the roads in Springville. Many of the streets and sidewalks in Springville and Trussville have Wayne Tucker’s handprints on them. Wayne never met a stranger and collected friends wherever he went. He loved talking to people, telling stories, and figuring out a way to help anyone he spoke to. His conversations would often turn to speaking with pride of his children and grandchildren. Wayne enjoyed golf, Auburn athletics, and a backyard garden growing tomatoes to share with his many friends and neighbors. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church Springville. The loss of Wayne Tucker will be felt deeply by his family, his many friends, and by generations of citizens who live or have lived in Springville over the past 40 years. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, James Buster and Marie Tucker, and his brother Larry Tucker. He is survived by his wife Nancy McQuary Tucker and his children Jamey Tucker (wife Cameron) and Tami Tucker Spires (husband Tim). He also leaves behind grandsons James Wayne Tucker III (Trey) and Ethan Spires; granddaughters Lauren Steed, Rebekah Wester, and Delaney Tucker; and sisters Jean Buckner, Judy Dalton, and Jan Tucker. Funeral services for Wayne Tucker will be held Wednesday, December 21st at First Baptist Church Springville. The family will accept visitors beginning at 10:30AM followed by the funeral at 1PM. First Baptist Church pastor Chip Thornton presiding. Wayne requested he be buried in Springville Cemetery overlooking the city he so loved.

James Wayne Tucker

August 10, 1941 - December 18, 2022