Tuck, Nathaniel Ray Sr.

Dr. Nathaniel Tuck, a familiar face and name in Pulaski County for many years, died Sunday in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital from complications of a stroke suffered July 29, 2005. He was 53 years old.

Tuck was born July 18, 1952 in Roanoke, to Dorothy Sheppard Tuck and the late William Haskins Tuck. He is survived by his wife Barbara Zint Tuck.

Following graduation from the National College of Chiropractic of Lombard, Ill. in 1978, Tuck located to Pulaski where he opened his practice on September 17, 1979. Eventually he would be providing Chiropractic care through branch offices from Christiansburg to Galax.

Tuck’s son, Ray, was so impressed by the gratification and love his father gained through his work, that he chose to enter the profession himself.

Ray Tuck said of his father, “After Dad became ill, I worked with his patients for about four months. What touched me more than anything was how many lives he had touched, not only through his practice, but on a personal, individual level. Dad always had time to talk with and listen to his patients, regardless of what they wanted to talk about … that means a great deal. His dedication to his practice has quite possibly touched the lives of thousands.” Tuck’s younger son, Ben, also plans to make Chiropractic medicine his career.

Tuck was not only known for his active service to his profession as a board member of the National Chiropractic Association and the Virginia Chiropractic Association, he was also involved in his church and community. A member of First Christian Church, he served first as a Deacon and Elder. Tuck was also involved in quiet works of mercy.

His pastor, Randy Winn said, “He’ll be greatly missed. He was a quiet man, but I don’t think he ever met a stranger. He wasn’t one to work in the limelight, he worked behind-the-scenes. He contributed so much to this community ? much of which will never be known.”

In addition to his church work, Tuck also served 12 years as a member of the Pulaski County School Board and was a member of the Pulaski Elks Lodge. He was an avid automobile enthusiast, loved trains and was a member of the Antique Fire Society.

In addition to his wife Barbara and mother Dorothy Sheppard Tuck of Roanoke, Tuck is survived by sons Benjamin “Ben” M. Tuck of Pulaski and Nathaniel Ray Tuck, Jr. and his wife Bonnie of Blacksburg; daughter Amelia “Ame” Tuck Martin and her husband Buddy of Blacksburg; brothers Richard H. Tuck and his wife Barbara of Churubsco, Ind. and Reginald D. Tuck and his wife Cathy McCullough of Blacksburg.

Also surviving are two grandchildren, Nathaniel Ray Tuck, III and Abigail Tuck.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church, Pulaski, with the Rev. Randy Winn officiating. Interment will follow in the Poff Cemetery in Montgomery County.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 524 N. Jefferson Ave. Pulaski.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorial contributions be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund, 524 N. Jefferson Ave. Pulaski, Va. 24301 or to the National University of Health Sciences to establish a scholarship in his name for Chiropractic students.

Please make donations to “Nathaniel R. Tuck, Sr. Student Scholarship Fund,” P.O. Box 1433, Christiansburg, Va. 24068.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com