HR705: Celebrating the life of William Alfred Tucker.
WHEREAS, William Alfred Tucker, an honorable veteran, esteemed longshoreman, driven activist, and beloved member of the Hampton Roads community, died on April 17, 2021; and
WHEREAS, affectionately known by friends and family as “Pete” or “Peter Rabbit,” William Tucker served his country with honor and valor for 25 years, serving first in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 during World War II and later in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1974, including tours of duty during the Korean and Vietnam Wars; and
WHEREAS, William Tucker was notably one of the first African Americans to train as a seaman at a time when the United States Navy was still segregated and would later earn several awards and citations for his demonstrated expertise as a loadmaster throughout his career with the United States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, building off his experience as a loadmaster, William Tucker enjoyed a second career as a longshoreman with International Longshoremen’s Association Local #846 in Newport News, serving as the chapter’s president from 1988 to 1992 before ultimately retiring in 1994; and
WHEREAS, dedicated to supporting his community by helping others, William Tucker worked tirelessly on behalf of local civic and veterans organizations in his retirement, including the Hampton chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, which he helped found; and
WHEREAS, as a member of Murray-Rhea Peninsula Chapter Six of the Disabled American Veterans, William Tucker co-established the first “Veterans Stand Down” event in Hampton, gathering resources and support for homeless and at-risk veterans in his community; and
WHEREAS, a dedicated activist who was deeply involved in local politics, William Tucker served on the executive board of the Hampton Roads Democratic Party and had the distinguished honor of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance during one of President Barack Obama’s campaign stops in Hampton; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his leadership and experience, William Tucker received three gubernatorial board appointments over his lifetime, including an appointment to the Board of Professional and Occupational Regulation in both 2002 and 2006; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, William Tucker was baptized at Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, North Carolina, and later enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Ivy Baptist Church in Newport News; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his son, Derwin, William Tucker will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of more than 70 years, Helen; his children, Shelton, Demetria, Cynthia, and Marcia, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of William Alfred Tucker, a distinguished member of the Hampton Roads community whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William Alfred Tucker as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 705
WHEREAS, William Alfred Tucker, an honorable veteran, esteemed longshoreman, driven activist, and beloved member of the Hampton Roads community, died on April 17, 2021; and
WHEREAS, affectionately known by friends and family as “Pete” or “Peter Rabbit,” William Tucker served his country with honor and valor for 25 years, serving first in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 during World War II and later in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1974, including tours of duty during the Korean and Vietnam Wars; and
WHEREAS, William Tucker was notably one of the first African Americans to train as a seaman at a time when the United States Navy was still segregated and would later earn several awards and citations for his demonstrated expertise as a loadmaster throughout his career with the United States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, building off his experience as a loadmaster, William Tucker enjoyed a second career as a longshoreman with International Longshoremen’s Association Local #846 in Newport News, serving as the chapter’s president from 1988 to 1992 before ultimately retiring in 1994; and
WHEREAS, dedicated to supporting his community by helping others, William Tucker worked tirelessly on behalf of local civic and veterans organizations in his retirement, including the Hampton chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, which he helped found; and
WHEREAS, as a member of Murray-Rhea Peninsula Chapter Six of the Disabled American Veterans, William Tucker co-established the first “Veterans Stand Down” event in Hampton, gathering resources and support for homeless and at-risk veterans in his community; and
WHEREAS, a dedicated activist who was deeply involved in local politics, William Tucker served on the executive board of the Hampton Roads Democratic Party and had the distinguished honor of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance during one of President Barack Obama’s campaign stops in Hampton; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his leadership and experience, William Tucker received three gubernatorial board appointments over his lifetime, including an appointment to the Board of Professional and Occupational Regulation in both 2002 and 2006; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, William Tucker was baptized at Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, North Carolina, and later enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Ivy Baptist Church in Newport News; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his son, Derwin, William Tucker will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of more than 70 years, Helen; his children, Shelton, Demetria, Cynthia, and Marcia, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of William Alfred Tucker, a distinguished member of the Hampton Roads community whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William Alfred Tucker as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.