Our beloved Coach, Jack Woodrow Tucker, age 88, passed peacefully in his sleep on
July 15, 2014 at 1215 a.m. from Russellville Health Care Center to his eternal home in
Heaven where he reunited with his wife of “32 wonderful years”- Doris Kerby Hargett,
his parents- Dallas and Edley (Turner) Tucker of Cullman, Ala. and many other family and
friends. Praise God! Coach is survived by two step-children, 8 step-nieces/nephews, 20+
cousins, and thousands of adoring team players, fellow teachers/coaches, students, fans,
and friends who love him as Coach, mentor, teacher, role model and dad.
At age 17 Jack volunteered for Airforce Pilot School in the last days of WWII. Once
enlisted he was diverted to training as a “Belly Gunner” in B24 Bombers and stationed
on Guam. Upon returning to his hometown of Cullman, Ala. Jack finished high school
playing on the basketball team. In 1952 he graduated with honors from The University
of Alabama where he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He worked one year
in a Detroit automobile factory before returning to Cullman High School to begin his
illustrious coaching career. He went on to coach at Hanceville, Ala. and to Warner Robins
High School, Georgia. Then is 1963 Head Coach Bill Doty recruited him to Russellville
High School as assistant Football Coach and Head Baketball Coach. He taught
AmHistory, Physical Science and PE and coached the Golden Tigers until his retirement
in 1988-He launched the girls’ basketball and golf programs at Russellville.
Stats from his career as Head Coach: 533 wins, 242 losses, 9 state tournament
appearances, 1 State Championship (Basketball 1982). Inducted into Alabama High
School Sports Hall of Fame-1995. Area Coach of the Year 5 times, State Coach of the
Year 2 times, coached the Ala. High School basketball All Stars once. His teams had
fifteen 20-win seasons and one 30-win season. Due to his spectacular success he has
been crowned by his players as “the Bear Bryant of Russellville”.
He is remembered fondly as manager/swim instructor at City Lake Park in the
1960’s/70’s. He loved fishing the gulf and rivers of the south. An avid golfer, he played
throughout his life at Twin Pines Country Club and at courses across the southeast.
He was a member of First Baptist Church-Russellville until his marriage in 1973 when
he became a member of First United Methodist Church-Russellville for 40 years until his
death.
Services will be held at Pinkard Funeral Home, Highway 24, Russellville, Ala., Friday, July 18th. Viewing 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., service following. Pallbearers will be announced. Honorary Pallbearers-All of Tucker’s Tigers.
