It is with great sadness we mourn the loss of a larger-than-life leader: Wayne Tucker (‘85), Baylor Line Foundation’s Incoming President and a friend to so, so, so very many across the Baylor Family and the globe.
“Wayne was an important and valued member of Baylor Line Foundation’s family in so many ways,” said Allen Holt (‘80), Executive Vice President of Baylor Line Foundation. “If I could only choose two, I’d say his loyalty and his dedication. Wayne really believed in the mission of our organization, and he backed it up with his involvement. Lots of people have interests in things, but don’t commit the time and effort to really dive in and make a difference. He talked the talk and walked the walk. I think this is what makes his legacy so important. He set a great example and a high bar for a message Baylor Line Foundation can embrace and communicate to the Baylor Family. I know this is what made him such an example for me.”
Larry Wayne Tucker, Jr., born October 17, 1962, went home to be with his Lord on July 13, 2021, in Dallas, following a private battle with cancer.
In his lifetime, he was a longtime bank executive with J.P. Morgan Chase, SouthTrust Bank, Patriot Bank, F&M Bank, and Prosperity private banks in Texas. He also served extensively within the Baylor Family and Baylor Line Foundation. Not only was he the incoming president of the foundation’s Board of Directors, he had previously served (rather famously for his hardworking nature and zealous organization) as chair of the Baylor Line Foundation Programs committee for many years and also chaired the Alumni-Elected Regents Committee for 2021.
“Wayne’s value to our organization was immeasurable; he was one of the most generous people I’ve ever known,” said Laura Hilton Hallmon (‘96, JD ‘99), President of Baylor Line Foundation. “Even greater than his steadfast financial generosity were his gifts of time, encouragement, and friendship. Everyone within our organization who had the pleasure of working alongside Wayne knows of the way he made everyone around him feel special, and how he demonstrated care and humility in every task he undertook.”
Wayne was also a member of Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing Board of Advocates and served as chair of the Going for the Gold Gala Sponsorship Committee and as Gala Financial Reporter.
Another of Wayne’s many treasured commitments was to his brothers in the Sigma Chi International Fraternity. Wayne served the community with great dedication and joy throughout his 36 years as an alumnus, serving in numerous volunteer capacities, including as a chapter advisor, Grand Praetor (regional governor), dean of the Praetorial College, Grand Quaestor, Grand Pro Consul, and Grand Consul (international president) from 2009 to 2011.
Family and friends attended a larger-than-life service for this larger-than-life leader on July 21, 2021, at First Baptist Church at the Fields.
Wayne’s commitment to bettering the Baylor Family was an inspiration to so many. He will be remembered for his encouraging words, his innumerable, selfless acts of service for others, and his dedication to always showing appreciation. There are certainly more than a few people in this world with a thank you card from Wayne in a desk drawer.
“I could always count on Wayne to not only care about what we were trying to accomplish, but take an active role in making it happen,” Holt said in closing. “He was a true servant leader.”
Hallmon agreed, saying, “Wayne was a true team player, quick to notice and give credit to others, and a devoted steward, committed to selfless service and Christian kindness. The way that Wayne lived by example is his legacy, and that legacy will continue to guide us as we onward go, in all the important work we have yet to do.”
Wayne made the lives of so many better and, in doing so, made the world a better place. We are so grateful to have known him. We miss him so much in large and small ways.
As I got to know and develop a friendship with Wayne, I witnessed his great sincerity and strength of character — the way he always lifted others up and, in doing so, made them want to do better, to be better. His kind and humble leadership style and gentle sense of humor were so endearing. Wayne brought such light to me, and to all who knew him, and he will live on in our hearts and minds, forever.”
Laura Hilton Hallmon (’96, JD ’99)
President, Baylor Line Foundation
Please, join us and many of your fellow Bears in honoring Wayne’s legacy by donating in tribute to the L. Wayne Tucker, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Donate today at baylorline.com/waynetuckerfund
