Thomas "Tucker" Curry Martin passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 16, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Born on February 9, 1943, to Cleo and Loudean Jennings Martin in Mantee, MS, Tucker grew up helping his widowed mother in his parents' grocery store (Martin's Grocery) and attending Mantee Baptist Church. He made the most important decision of his life when he accepted Christ as his Savior as a young boy at Vacation Bible School. This action led him to a life of strong, sustaining faith that never wavered. Tucker graduated from Cumberland High School in 1961 and later received his BS in Business from Mississippi State University. On August 11, 1968, Tucker married Joyce Smith Martin of Grenada, MS. Joyce and Tucker welcomed their son, John Curry, in January of 1974.

Tucker was ordained as a deacon at Meadowview Baptist Church in Starkville, MS, and later served at both First Baptist Starkville and First Baptist Jackson, TN. Serving for 6 years, he reached the rank of staff sergeant in the Mississippi National Guard. He retired from Jackson-Madison County General Hospital as the director of human resources in 2001.

If you knew Tucker, you know he loved his God, his family, and fishing. He often spoke of how he had many important and deep conversations with his Lord on the bank while catching fish. He was a strong, quiet man who had a dry wit and many sayings (often fondly called "Tucker-isms"). Many people depended on Tucker, and they knew that if something needed to be done, Tucker could be called in to help. He also became "Uncle Tucker" to neighborhood children who loved him.

Visitation will be Monday, September 20 at McKibben & Guinn Funeral Home in Grenada, MS at 1:00, with a service at 2:00. Burial will take place afterward at Smith Cemetery in Cascilla, MS. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would do an act of kindness for someone else, as this would honor Tucker in light of how he lived his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Loudean Jennings Martin, and his brother, Jacky. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joyce Smith Martin, and son, John (Tricia) Martin of Jackson, TN. He also leaves behind his nieces, Leigh Martin Walker and Jocelyn Martin Hase and their families, as well as many relatives and close friends. The service will be conducted by Rev. Dan Bruce of Jackson, TN. Pallbearers are Chris Elmore, Patrick Elmore, Ryan Elmore, Hal Currin, Mike Perry, and Sammy Coleman.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).