Celebrating the Career of Carol Tucker: Ten Years of Dedication and Hard Work, with a Song Along the Way

For the past 10 years, Carol Tucker has been one of the quiet constants at Sonny Merryman. Someone who showed up every day ready to help, work hard, and make the workplace a better place for everyone around her. As Maintenance Custodian, Carol’s impact was often felt more than it was seen, but it was an essential part of the daily rhythm of the company.

Born in Lynchburg and raised in Bedford County, Carol attended Jefferson Forest High School and spent 26 years building a career at a local printing company before an unexpected opportunity changed her path. At the time, she never imagined leaving. As Carol puts it, “Something would have to fall out of the sky for me to leave there, and it did.” That moment led her to Sonny Merryman, a decision she is now very grateful for.

“Coming to Sonny Merryman is one of the best decisions I ever made.”
– Carol Tucker, Maintenance Custodian
Carol ringing the bell over the holidays.

Carol joined the company as Maintenance Custodian, a role that remained mostly the same over the years but naturally grew with additional responsibilities. What never changed was her drive to do the job right. She valued the trust placed in her and the independence she was given, knowing her work would be done thoroughly and with 100% effort every time. Reflecting on her time working with David Robertson, Carol often shared how meaningful that trust was to her and how much she appreciated being empowered to take ownership of her work.

Those who worked alongside Carol describe her as someone who was always ready to lend a hand and greet others with genuine warmth. 

“Carol is always asking how she can help and has a smile that lights up a room.”
– David Robertson, Facility Manager
Carol singing Christmas karaoke with her husband during Covid.

Outside of work, Carol’s life has always been filled with music. She has loved to sing for as long as she can remember, and one of her greatest joys has been singing karaoke alongside her husband, Ronnie. Over the years, the two have performed together at a variety of local spots, from nursing homes to community venues like County Line Cafe. For the past five years, they’ve performed there on the first Saturday of each month from March through November. During the COVID years, they even brought karaoke home, recording festive Christmas songs like “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Santa Baby,” and “White Christmas.”

When she’s not singing, Carol enjoys spending time on the water. She and her husband love kayaking together, taking peaceful river trips along the Staunton and James Rivers.

As Carol steps into retirement, she’s looking forward to slowing down, getting her sleep schedule back on track, family time, singing even more, and enjoying plenty of time on the river.

Carol with past Sonny Merryman employee, James Jennings.

Carol Tucker leaves behind a legacy of dependability and kindness. Her steady presence and willingness to help made a lasting impact on Sonny Merryman, and she will be truly missed. We thank Carol for her 10 years of service and wish her nothing but the best in this next chapter, one filled with music, adventure, and well-earned rest.