George William "Bill" Tuck

George William "Bill" Tuck, Jr., 91 of Battle Creek died with his family at his side on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at The Oaks at NorthPointe Woods.

Bill was born January 12, 1927 in Three Rivers, Michigan, the son of George William and Millicent (Grubb) Tuck, Sr. Bill grew up in Kalamazoo, was a 1945 graduate of Kalamazoo Central, and as a volunteer left for boot camp the day after his graduation. Bill briefly served with the U.S. Navy, receiving an honorable discharge at the end of WWII. He used the GI Bill to help pay for college and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from the University of Michigan. He was first employed at the former Cello-Foil as an accountant and purchasing agent. Bill then worked for Equitable Insurance Company and then for many years as an independent insurance agent with Mass Mutual, as well as a short time at Starr Commonwealth, retiring in 1983, although he continued his insurance client relationships for many years beyond that.

George W. "Bill" Tuck, Jr. married Margaret Lucile "Peggy" Lieb on Sept. 25, 1954 in Kendallville, IN. Sadly Bill was preceded in death by Peggy, his wife of 63+ years on January 6, 2018 Bill is survived by their children, George William "Bill" (Sheryl) Tuck, III of Battle Creek, David P. Tuck of Jersey City, NJ, Laura M. (Mark) Ayasse of Easton, MA, and Amy L. Cronk of Battle Creek; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren (a seventh on the way); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a sister and her husband, Martha and James Coates.

Bill and Peggy were active in First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, where they were ordained elders and deacons, before being called as charter members of Pennfield Presbyterian Church. At Pennfield Presbyterian he and Peggy also sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. He also served the Presbytery as Clerk of the Session and on the Synod level. Bill was a life member of Cereal City Lions Club and had 50 years of perfect attendance. He also served as president of the Lion's Eye Bank, which included arranging for the transporting of donated eyes. He was a former president of the Red Cross Board and donated over 17 gallons of blood. When his family was growing up, Bill was a pack leader for Cub and Boy Scouts. Bill was a die-hard Michigan fan and a life member of Phi Delta Chi Fraternity at U of M. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and always had a remodeling project of some kind going. Bill was a lifetime NRA member. He was also an avid vegetable gardener. He proudly served on the Honor Guard for Fort Custer National Cemetery for many years. Bill will be remembered as a man of principle and commitment who loved to travel and shop for a bargain. He was a proud and fun grandpa and was dedicated to serving his community and providing for his family. He was loved and will be missed by many.

Friends will be received 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where a funeral service to celebrate Bill's life will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 7, 2018. Military honors by Ft. Custer Honor Guard will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 8, 2018 at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Peggy.

The family is especially thankful to Great Lakes Hospice for taking care of him at Reflections and ultimately at Legacy at The Oaks.

Memorial contributions may be made to a Charity of One's Choice. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.