James Rayford Tucker

James Rayford Tucker, 75, of Lynchburg, VA, died Friday, January 21, 2011.  He was the husband of Joyce Morton Tucker for 56 years.

Born Saturday, July 13, 1935 in Campbell County, VA, James was a son of the late A.P. (Perlie) Tucker, Sr. and Gracie Elder Tucker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Edith Hardaway.

In addition to his wife, James is survived by a daughter, Jo Ann Guthrie and her husband Dean, of Brookneal, two sisters, Arie Lipscomb, and Virginia Goodwyn, both of Richmond, a brother, A.P. Tucker, Jr., and his wife, Edith, of Midlothian, two grandchildren, Brandy Wilson and her husband, Greg, and Travis Guthrie, and a great granddaughter, Braelyn Wilson, all of Brookneal,

James will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He never met a stranger, and had a good sense of humor; he could be counted on to make people laugh. When not on the job he could be found working in his yard. He was a retired machinist from Limitorque and worked part time for Enterprise Rent A Car, and a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church, for 40 years.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg, and other times at the home. A graveside will be conducted at 1:30 PM on Monday, January 24, 2011 in Fort Hill Memorial Park, with Dr. Ricky Ewing and Rev. Doug Saunders officiating.

Memorial contributions may be sent to American Cancer Society, 2316 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA, 24501, or Pleasant View Baptist Church, 19278 Forest Road, Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, 434-237-9424.