In Memoriam
Billy “Doc” G. Walls, Auburn University Professor of Music/Director of Bands Emeritus and Music Education Instructor attained perfection September 13, 2011. Born January 28, 1934, Bill was preceded in death by his father Elsie, mother Iva, and brother Joe “Tommy.” Survivors include wife Kim Curley Walls, sons Bill and Ed, daughter-in-law Kristen, grandsons Brandon and Austin and thousands of prior students from Auburn University, University of Texas at San Antonio, Florida State University U.S. Navy School of music, and the Auburn, AL community. A native of Naples, TX, Bill was a long-time resident of Lake Martin and a member of Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville, AL, where he enjoyed his four cats, bird watching, yoga, teaching music to elementary education students, visiting classes at Loachapoka elementary school and a life-long passion for the trombone. He held music education and music degrees from Baylor University, Manhattan School of Music, and Florida State University, served in the 4th Army Band at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX and performed as a professional trombonist. Dr. Walls was affiliated with Auburn University departments of music and curriculum and teaching for 50 years.
Richard Franklin Tucker, accomplished musician and scholar, celebrated pianist and nationally recognized voice teacher, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle, transitioned Sept. 1 at Huntsville Hospital after a brief illness. He was born July 14, 1940, in Brooklyn, N.Y.
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The eldest son of four children born to Viola Queen Jones Tucker and John Alfred Tucker, his parents later adopted six additional children. Richard's childhood years were spent in Jamaica, Queens and Babylon, Long Island. He confessed his belief in Jesus Christ at an early age and joined Brooks Memorial United Methodist Church. He graduated from Newtown High School, a school for the musically gifted, in Elmhurst, Queens, where he was signaled out to provide music for special events, such as graduations. His baccalaureate and professional degrees in piano, voice, vocal pedagogy and conducting were earned at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J. His career in music began at Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss., as a professor of voice and music theory. He joined the music faculty at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1967, where he served as director and accompanist of the university choirs, interim music department chair and assistant professor of music. His areas of concentration and expertise were piano and voice. Richard was university organist for Alabama A&M University, as well as
director of Music Ministries at Church Street Cumberland Presbyterian Church of America and Center Grove United Methodist Church in Huntsville. He was a member of Church Street CPCA, where he served as an ordained elder, pianist, organist and member of E.D. White Men's Fellowship. He also coordinated and directed many musical programs and events. Richard was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Delta Theta Lambda chapter; the Most Worshipful Prince Hall, a Mason of Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Huntsville; and Phi Mu Sinfonia fraternity. He held professional memberships in
AEA,
ACDA, MENC and NATS.A dependable tower of strength has left us. A giant sequoia has fallen. He leaves a legacy befitting a man of his vision and convictions. He lives on through all of the lives touched by him. he was true to his code and his God.
Richard Franklin Tucker
Whether you sing in the choir, dance in a musical theater production, play an instrument in a band, have a passion for opera, or lead worship for your church, the University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts has the program for you!
If you desire a university that prepares you to make a difference in today’s culture, UMobile is for you!
center for performing arts The course of study is music - the four-year journey is the real education!
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October/November 2011
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