Russell Lee Tucker, 84, of Sour Lake died on Friday, January 31, 2010 at the Vosswood Nursing Home in Houston after a short illness. Russell was born in Beaumont on December 18, 1926 to Leo and Alice Gertrude (Jacobson) Tucker and resided in Pinewood most of his life. Russell obtained his Masters in Education from the University of Arizona and he retired after teaching in public schools for many years. A longtime member of Pine Ridge Baptist Church, he also proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

Russell displayed an unusual talent for music when he began playing the piano by ear at age six. He later studied music and voice and enjoyed playing and singing at church and sometimes directing church choirs. He gave piano lessons to a number of people in his community and played the piano as a volunteer at many retirement centers around Hardin and Jefferson Counties. Many came to look forward to Russell’s visits for he not only provided music but also a cheerful countenance and words of encouragement. He will be missed by many of these people. Occasionally, Russell played for commercial establishments on special occasions.

Russell is survived by his son, Walter Tucker of Beaumont; his sister, Mary Dubose of Houston; his brother, Jim Tucker of Austin; nieces, Lori Dubose and Terri Burke; nephews, Kevin Dubose and Robert Dubose; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

His funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 2, 2011 at Pine Ridge Baptist Church with Reverend Drifty Cates officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 530 W. Monroe, Kountze.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made in Russell’s name to Pine Ridge Baptist Church P. O. Box 568 Sour Lake, Texas 77659 or American Cancer Society P. O. Box 5144 Beaumont, Texas 77701.