Clifford Thomas Tucker, 82, of Lugoff, died Wednesday, February 1, 2023, surrounded by family. Born in Richland County on February 27, 1940, he was the devoted son of the late Claude R. and Essie R.Tucker. Mr. Tucker was in law enforcement for 42 years, including service at Forest Acres Police Department and Chief of Public Safety at the SC Department of Mental Health. He retired from the Richland County Sheriff's Department, where he was the lieutenant over the department's first traffic division in the early 70's. He was a longtime member of Spears Creek Baptist Church, having joined in 1944, where he was also a member of the Rejoicer's Sunday School Class.

Mr. Tucker was very devoted to his family, friends, and church. He loved visiting and being with family and friends. Later in life he was well known for his cakes, especially his pound cakes. In 2022 he entered two cakes in the South Carolina state fair. The judges confirmed what his family and friends already knew, as both pound cakes won first place in their respective categories. He was so proud that his cakes always sold for the highest price at church fundraising auctions. He enjoyed baking cakes for people, just to see the smiles it always brought. He was adored by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was known as "Peepaw '' to them.

Survivors include his daughter, Kimberly T. Hunley (Mark); sons, Darrell T. Tucker (Karen), and Randolph J. Tucker (Lauren); a sister, Claudette Schad of Lugoff; grandchildren, Collin T. Miles (Erin), McKenzie C. Tucker, Colby R. Miles, Carson T. Miles, Reese C. Tucker, Riley P. Strayer, Denton E. Strayer, great-grandchildren, Kannen Sims, Troy W. Miles, Sawyer H. Tucker, Ellie G. Rourk; as well as the mother of his children, Laurence Thomas (Ray); along with many adoring nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Tucker, and son, Troy Michael Tucker.

The funeral service for Mr. Tucker will be held at 4 o'clock, Sunday, February 5th at Spears Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Greg Sweet officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Tucker will be placed in the church for viewing one hour prior to service. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock Saturday evening at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. Memorials may be made to Spears Creek Baptist Church, 116 Spears Creek Church Lane, Elgin, SC 29045.

Serving as pallbearers will be Darrell Tucker, Randolph Tucker, Rusty Tucker, Rocky Tucker, Chris Stanton, and Joel Black.