Martin "Willard" Tucker

M. Willard Tucker, born November 6, 1942, peacefully went to meet his Lord on Monday, December 22, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Tucker, and by his beloved wife of 59 years, Barbara C. Tucker.

Mr. Tucker was born in Colfax, North Carolina, and was a graduate of Colfax School. While still in high school, he demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to learning by attending Guilford Technical School at night, where he studied drafting during the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.

Following graduation, he entered an engineering program provided by Carolina Steel in partnership with North Carolina State University. Upon completion of the program, he was transferred to the engineering department of Arnold Stone Company. After seven years, he accepted the position as an estimator with a general contractor.

He later obtained his unlimited General Contractor license and went on to build government subdivisions throughout the southern United States, developing more than 4,000 housing units and overseeing several thousand renovation projects, including private nursing homes and hospital facilities.

In later years, Mr. Tucker became a real estate investor and developer, working in retail, commercial, and subdivision development. He shared a successful partnership and lasting friendship with Barry Siegal for more than 30 years.

Mr. Tucker was a devoted member of Smith Grove Baptist Church, which he dearly loved.

He is survived by his son, Todd Tucker, and his wife, Elise, along with their children, Michael and McKenzie; and by his daughter, Debbie Roberson, and her husband, Mark, along with their children, Kaleigh and Tucker.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Tonya Payne, who served as a devoted caregiver and became a cherished part of the family during the years of Mrs. Tucker’s disability and later Mr. Tucker’s own care.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel with Rev. Bruce Freeman and Rev. Chuck Peters officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 1-1:45 PM. Interment will follow at Smith Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Donations in Willard's memory may be made to Smith Grove Baptist Church at 2707 Sandy Ridge Rd, Colfax, NC 27235.