Mr. Jerry Wayne "Tiger" Tucker, age 71, of Rock Spring, GA, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 29, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born November 14, 1944, in Summerville, GA, son of Elbert J. "Bert" Tucker, a Chattooga County Sheriff's Deputy, and Bonnie Inez Tucker, a homemaker.  In March of 1966, he took his oath to protect and serve with the Georgia State Patrol.  Known as "Tiger" amongst his fellow Troopers, Jerry served for 32 years and retired on February 15, 1998.  He then worked as a security officer with Hutcheson Medical Center for an additional 15 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert J. "Bert" Tucker and Bonnie Inez Tucker.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Delores Tucker; his brother, retired Georgia State Trooper Dennis Tucker and his wife, June; children, Charles, Richard, Tommy and wife Stacie, Tyra and her husband, David.  Jerry was also loved by his grandchildren, Stephanie, Josh, Jessica, Cheyenne, Amie, and Luke; great-grandchildren, Abigail, Corbin, Hunter, and Auden.

Funeral services for Mr. Tucker will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 2, 2016, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Tom Dupree officiating.  Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.  The Georgia State Patrol Honor Guard will serve as Active Pallbearers.  All current and retired public safety personnel will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Mr. Tucker will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 1, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Walker County Animal Shelter or the Al Milard Empty Stocking Fund.

Mason Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Jerry Wayne "Tiger" Tucker who died on Monday.