William J. Tucker

William J. Tucker Jr, 78, of Cleveland, IL, passed away July 20, 2025, at Mercy One Genesis East in Davenport.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday August 1, 2025, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday July 31, 2025, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Moline Memorial Park with military honors. Memorials may be made to Quad City Animal Welfare Center or your favorite charity.

William was born on July 12, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of William Jesse and Muriel (Purvis) Tucker Sr. Bill spent a lot of his childhood playing stick ball and baseball. He loved going to baseball games, but the only thing he loved more was his siblings. Bill graduated from Mineola High School in Mineola, New York where he was the catcher on the baseball team and worked at the local 7-Up Factory. Shortly after graduating, on the advice of his brother-in-law Stan, he joined the Army where he served his country from 1968-1973. Starting as an MP in Germany, Bill requested being stationed in Vietnam. His first tour was a MP running convoys. This is how he met Louie (Lam), whom he wished to adopt. Bill was told he did not have enough time in the country to complete the adoption process so he re-upped for a second tour only to find out he was unable to adopt Louie. This second tour began as an MP but ended as a LOH Door Gunner. After the end of this tour, Bill finished his Army career stateside. He worked a variety of jobs including on a shrimp boat, carpenter apprentice and working for his brother Michael’s moving company.

He married Michele K. Burton in 1991 and welcomed his daughter Jessica in 1994. After a few years, he unofficially adopted Anthony Ochoa, thus completing his family. Bill was an avid fisherman with the stories to tell. He was a good cook and enjoyed watching his daughter play soccer. Bill was a member of VVA Chapter 299 and a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. He spent much of his time volunteering with his fellow Veterans and had his stories recorded in the Library of Congress.

Survivors include his wife; daughter, Jessica Tucker, Cleveland; son, Anthony (Fiancée Michaela) Ochoa, Tennessee; sister, Muriel Michele (Vinton II) Stanfield, Texas; brothers, Tommy (Wendy) Tucker, New York, John Tucker, Wisconsin, and James (Astrid) Tucker, New York.

He was preceded in death by both parents and brother, Michael Tucker, sister-in-law, Catherine Tucker, and 3 dogs, Zeb, Missy and Lucy.

Bill loved to tell stories and had the gift of the gab. He will be greatly missed.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.