JOSEPH ARCH TUCKER, SR.

Joseph Arch Tucker, Sr., 78, passed away on January 10, 2014. Joe worked at TCI in Fairfield, AL and after a 44 year career retired from Moore Handley in Pelham, AL. Joe was well known in the softball arena. Anyone with any knowledge of fast pitch softball would know the name Joe Tucker. He was, by far, one of the best pitchers in this sport. Joe had numerous awards including being inducted into the West Alabama Hall of Fame and The Alabama ASA Hall of Fame. He had over 75 Most Valuable Pitcher Honors, over 100 tournament wins, 12 perfect games in a career that included over 1300 victories. His teams have advanced to eight Regional Tournaments and four National Tournaments. Joe always had the respect and love of all players he played with and against. When talking about his accomplishments in the sport of fast pitch softball he was always quick to say his ability to pitch was a God given talent and he used it well and loved the sport. Throughout his life he loved all of the memories and the people he met, making lifelong friendships along the way. Joe also stepped over the plate and refereed many sports as well. In his later years Joe took up golfing and as with everything else he didn't do it halfway. Again Joe was well loved by his many golfing buddies. You could always count on finding Joe 4 to 5 days a week at Coosa Pines Golf Course. Out of all of his accomplishments, to Joe, his family was his finest one. His love for each and every one of them was great. Truly he was the glue that bound his large family together. He was much loved and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Delene of 33 years and they have 6 children together. Sons Joe Jr. (Renee), Martin, Dan (Tracey), Pat (Julie), Keith Vick, and daughter Kim Vickery (Donald). He had 12 grandchildren Matt, Jessie, Catherine, Austin, Alex, Shanna, Drew, Slade, Vince, Ashley, Sabrina, and Mike. There are also 5 great grandchildren, and his brother Charles Tucker (Lou). Visitation will be Monday, January 13, 2014 at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home, Hueytown, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The funeral service will be Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at the Funeral Home at 10:00 AM, with Neil Hodo officiating. Burial will follow at Valhalla Cemetery.