Lester Belmont Tucker

Lester Belmont Tucker died on June 15, 2014 at Heritage Woods in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A longtime resident of Oak Harbor, WA., he relocated to Winston-Salem in December 2010. He was born on February 22, 1921 to Thelma E. Young and Joseph B. Tucker in El Paso Texas. After high school graduation he spent a short period of time in the CCC's (Civilian Conservation Corps). On November 1, 1939, Tucker enlisted in the U.S. Navy. A veteran of WW-II and Korea, Tucker retired from the Navy on February 1, 1967at the Nuclear Weapons Training Center in San Diego, CA. as a Commissioned Warrant Officer-4. He served aboard the USS Memphis CL-13 in 1940-1941. Tucker was transferred to the battleship USS North Carolina BB-55 in the spring of 1941 and saw combat action in the South Pacific in 1942. Tucker's decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with three Air Medals and the Combat Action Ribbon. He was the author of ""The History of the Chief Petty Officer Grade,"" the oldest ""Grey Night"" (VP-46) and other Navy rating articles. The NAS Whidbey Island, Washington ""Chief Petty Officers Outstanding Leadership Award"" is presented in his honor yearly. He is survived by his sister Gladys Myers of Sunset Beach CA, three daughters, Juanita A. Tucker of Winston-Salem, Jeannette G. Arienti of Lemon Grove CA and Lavone A. Tucker of Durham, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM Friday at Salisbury National Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com

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