Lawrence Gerald Tuck, a member of the inaugural class of the Samford University Baseball Hall of Fame, died on Friday.
Born on February 9, 1936, Gerald Tuck attended Howard College (Samford), where he played on the Bulldogs’ baseball and football teams.
After graduation, he played baseball in the Baltimore Orioles and Brooklyn Dodgers organizations for a few years.
Gerald began his coaching career at Minor High School in 1959. Later, in 1962, he moved to Mortimer Jordan High School, where he coached for the next 23 seasons.
He also coached at Phillips and Tarrant High School for 31 years, and his teams only had 3 losing seasons and recorded more than 500 wins.
Tuck joined the staff at Samford after retiring from public education in 1990.
In 2009, he received the John W. Russell Ambassador of the Game Award, co-sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He was inducted into the Alabama High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013.
Coach Lawrence Gerald Tuck Passed Away Peacefully At 89
Lawrence Gerald Tuck of Birmingham took his last breath on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 89. However, the cause of death has not been revealed.
Samford Baseball took to their official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news. They wrote,
Former Samford (then Howard College) player and coach and Samford Baseball Hall of Famer Gerald Tuck passed away today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Tuck family.
Samford Baseball
Auburn University graduate Casey Dunn mourned the tragic death of Gerald. He wrote,
What an incredible man! When I took the job at Samford I received countless calls from former players making sure Coach Tuck would remain about of the program. Little did I know how impactful he would be to the growth of Samford Baseball but more importantly to every young man that came through our program. We will miss you Coach, but no doubt you are rejoicing in Heaven today.
Casey Dunn
Samford University Athletics’ assistant AD Joey Mullins took to his Facebook and said no one was more dedicated than Gerald. He wrote,
So sorry to hear about Coach Tuck’s passing. No one was more dedicated to Samford than him.
Joey Mullins
Real estate guide at Realtor Josh EHMKE, Josh Ehmke, took to his Facebook handle and wrote,
Heaven must have needed Coach Tuck for a curls competition this week. He was an outstanding man. Someone you immediately looked up to. He made eternal impacts with many that he coached and will be missed here on earth. I wouldn’t hate doing curls for the girls one last time with him in OG dungeon wait room.
Josh Ehmke
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Gerald’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
According to the source, Gerald’s life will be celebrated at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel, 1500 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235.
Gerald Tuck Had Two Kids With His Wife, Loxcil Burney Tuck
Lawrence Gerald Tuck and Loxcil Burney Tuck tied the knot in 1960.
Loxcil spent over 35 years in the banking industry, starting her career as one of Harry Brock’s original twelve employees at Central Bank.
Following retirement, she jumped into public service and became the Mayor of the City of Tarrant for 16 years.
Loxcil was a member of Central Baptist Church until it closed in 2022.
She served as the church secretary and facilitated the donation of the church building to an International Ministry.
Tragically, Gerald’s wife, Loxcil, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2023, at 89. Visitation was held on Monday, February 20, 2023, at John-Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel.
Gerald and Loxcil had one son, Jeff Tuck, and one daughter, Suzy Ritter Tuck.
Suzy married Kyle Ritter on December 19, 1987. They have two children, Drew and Patrick Ritter.
On the other hand, Jeff married Kim McCann Tuck. They have two children, Caroline and Kirbi Tuck.
Recently, Kim took to her official Facebook handle and announced the tragic death of her father-in-law, Gerald. She wrote,
My father in law Coach Gerald Tuck passed away last night. He was a great and mighty man, in every sense of the words. He was the best father in law and grand daddy in the world and he will be missed greatly.
Kim McCann Tuck
Currently, they are mourning the tragic death of their supportive and devoted father, Gerald Tuck.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lawrence Gerald Tuck was born to his father, Leo, and his mother, Kathryn Tuck. He grew up with his two brothers, Malcolm Tuck and Larry Tuck.
- Gerald’s wife, Loxcil, was born to Charlie, her father, and Nora Burney, her mother. She had seven brothers: Hubert, Lenard, Clifford, Leon, CJ, Joe, and Ossie, and five sisters: Burley, Odell, Lila, Nell, and Jeanne.
- She served on the executive committee for the Alabama League of Municipalities.
The post Former Athlete And Baseball Coach Gerald Tuck, 89, Survived By His Kids After The Death Of His Wife Loxcil Burney appeared first on Players Bio.