Clyde Wilson Tuck

Gretna.......Clyde W. Tuck, age 96 of Gretna slipped peacefully into heaven surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren on Thursday, September 30, 2010 after a decline in health over the past six months.
Mr. Tuck was born June 26, 1914 in Pittsylvania County. He was the son of the late Morman F. Tuck and Sallie Hatchett Tuck. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Susan Franklin Tuck; three brothers, Ollie Tuck, Norwood Tuck, and Dallas Tuck. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gretna and was an Army veteran of World War II where he served four years with the Army Corp of Engineers. He was a charter member of Gretna American Legion Post 232 where he served all offices in the post. He served the post as adjutant and finance officer for 27 years. He also was past 5th District Commander and past State Vice Commander in the American Legion. Mr. Tuck was voted an honorary life member to the Gretna American Legion Post 232 by its members. He was also a member of Anderson Masonic Lodge #258 A.F. & A.M. in Gretna. He was a member of Danville Shrine Club, and was a 47 year member of the Gretna Lions Club. He served as the first PTA president for the consolidated Gretna High School. Mr. Tuck was retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation as an assistant resident engineer.
Clyde is remembered by many of his old friends as an outstanding baseball player both in High School and in county semi-pro league. When county league baseball was in its bloom from 1946-1955 he was a sought after catcher playing on teams at Gretna, Altavista, and Brookneal. It was a consensus of opinion that he holds the semi-pro record for hitting the longest home run in the league when playing on the Chatham diamond. He hit a home run that went over the High School building which was located in right field at the time. It was estimated that the ball went a distance of 465 feet.
Mr. Tuck is remembered by all his family members as a kind and loving man who loved life and enjoyed every minute he had. He recalled times when he was a young boy living on his father's farm in Pittsville when he would watch trains go up and down the F&P railroad to Rocky Mount.
He is survived by a son Buddy Tuck and wife, Jessica of Fort Worth, TX; one grandson, Michael Newcomb and wife, Stephanie of Danville; four sisters, Doris Williamson of Lynchburg, Louise Shelton of Gretna, Lodema Hunt of Raleigh, NC, and Jean Willis of Emporia; two great-grandchildren, Anthony Newcomb and Emily Newcomb; and his former daughter in law, Janice Oakes Newcomb and her husband, James of Danville.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 2, 2010 at Colbert-Moran Chapel by Rev. Jonathan Hilliard. Burial with Military honors by the Virginia National Guard, Honor Guard will follow in Gretna Burial Park.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 P.M. Friday at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home.
Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna, is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.