Preston Thomas Tucker, Jr., son of the legendary carmaker, died Sunday, October 12, 2003. Born May 19, 1925 in Detroit. Michigan, he was 78. During his life, Tucker enjoyed professional success, a loving family, and many varied experiences. Following World War II service in the U.S. Navy, Tucker began his career working for his father, automaker Preston Tucker, creator of the '48 Tucker Torpedo. He served on the board of directors of the Tucker Corporation and its subsidiary, championed development of the car's transmission, and acted as right- hand man and confidante to his father. During the 1950's, Tucker and his young family moved to Missouri where he worked on development of the rocket engines powering the early space program. In 1967, Preston Tucker joined Motorola in Phoenix, Arizona, as an engineering manager. During his 38-year tenure with the company, Tucker served in various managerial and executive roles in facilities and engineering before retiring in 1995. Preston Tucker earned his B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering Management from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. from Drury College. He was a Mason and Shriner, and a member of Phi Gamma Delta and many professional associations in engineering, plant management, and racing mechanics. Preston was also an avid golfer and hunter and enjoyed both sports with professional colleagues and his family. Tucker died in his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, following an extended convalescence as a result of cardiac difficulties and the complications of diabetes. Preston Tucker is survived by Shirley, his wife of 55 years, and his four children and three grandchildren - Preston III, Lindsay Chapman and her husband, Bill, and daughters, Chelsea and Alyx, Kenton and his wife, DesaRae, and son, Dakota, and Clayton and his betrothed, Jennifer Medley. All are residents of Scottsdale. Tucker is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Hozier of Sun City West, Arizona, Marilyn McAndrew of Ypsilanti, Michigan and Murietta, California, and his youngest brother, John Tucker of Long Beach, California. Visitation is planned for Thursday, October 16, from 5 to 7 pm at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 East Indian School Road in Scottsdale, Arizona. Services will be held on Friday, October 17, at 2 pm at Messinger Mortuary with interment at Paradise Memorial Gardens to follow. The family welcomes donations to the Hospice of the Valley.

Published in The Arizona Republic from Oct. 15 to Oct. 16, 2003 -

Preston Tucker (1925)