Elder Bennie Tucker, born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 6, 1947, was the sixth of thirteen children to the late Alvin C. and Martha Ann Tucker. On September 13, 2025, God called him home to his eternal rest.

From an early age, Bennie was known for his intelligence and athletic ability. He was an outstanding student and a gifted athlete, graduating from East Technical High School in 1965. His high school classmates and former players fondly remember him as Coach Bennie, a title he earned while serving as a football coach at East Tech.

After high school, Bennie proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from April 15, 1966, until his honorable discharge on March 16, 1970. During his service, he achieved the rank of Sergeant, E-4, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

A few years later, at the age of twenty-seven, Bennie’s life took a new direction when he gave his life to the Lord and joined the Church of God and True Holiness under the leadership of the late Apostle Albert E. Dixon. He was baptized, received the Holy Spirit, and answered his call to the ministry in 1974. He was on fire for God and served in any way he could, whether it was cleaning the church, leading praise and worship, or teaching Sunday School as the Superintendent. A true music lover, he played the acoustic guitar and piano, and was known for writing and performing original songs that were “burning on his heart.”

In 1975, Bennie’s life changed yet again when he met Sarah Regina Pendleton from Fredericksburg, Virginia, at a church convention. They fell head over heels in love and were married on July 5, 1975. Together, they raised three beautiful children, Bennie, Jr. (T.J.), Julia, and Joel, whom they considered “all their favorites.” Elder Bennie and Sarah were blessed to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary just before he passed away.

A man of continuous learning, Elder Bennie earned several Bible certificates from the True Holiness Bible Institute. He built a career as an electrical draftsman, working for companies such as General Electric and Reliance Electric. Later in life, he returned to work at the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital as a Peer Support Specialist with Recovery Resources, where he assisted countless veterans with disabilities in reintegrating into their communities.

In 2005, he joined Excellent Glory Worship Center under the leadership of Bishop Leon Lewis, where he served faithfully and was ordained an Elder in the Lord’s church on May 18, 2008. In 2017, he became an honorary member of Breakout Ministries of Cleveland, founded by his son-in-law Bishop Michael Ferrell and daughter Pastor Julia. Elder Bennie was a devoted father who took his work for the Lord very seriously. He was known for his deep faith, selfless service, and compassionate heart. He mentored many people, often speaking a word of prophecy into their lives and praying for them. He loved, taught, and lived the Word of God, serving as an inspiring example of a faithful Christ-like man.

Elder Bennie Tucker was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin C. and Martha Ann; three brothers, Oscar, Samuel L., and Frankie; and two sisters, Lillie and Martha Jean.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Sarah Regina Tucker; two sons, Bennie, Jr. and Joel; one daughter, Julia Ann (Michael); three brothers, Alvin C., Jr., Willie C. (Gabrielle), and Joseph (Karnika); four sisters, Jennette (Gregory), Margaret (Emanuel), Mattie (Kerry), and Ellen (William); three brothers-in-law; Leonard, Matthew (Betty), John (Charlene); four sisters-in-law; Jean (Junius), Pamela (Marcellous), Willie Ruth, Annie Louise, Brenda; one granddaughter, Jada M.; twelve step-grandchildren; Cequisa, Alicia, Michael B., Alonzo (Jessica) and others; ten step-great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.