GRAVETTE — Friends and colleagues of Dr. David Tucker planned a surprise party last week to honor him after 30 years of practice in Gravette and, judging from the look on his face when he walked into the room, they accomplished their purpose -- he was genuinely surprised.
After his day of seeing patients at the clinic on Tuesday he was told he should go over to the hospital cafeteria because someone over there "wanted to give him a certificate or something," so the roomful of people and the gifts he was given were much more than he expected.
Dr. Tucker was in school in Texas 30 years ago when one of his classmates, David Hall, son of Dr. Billy V. Hall of Gravette, told him of the need for a physician at the Gravette hospital and clinic. Hall brought Tucker to Gravette so he could learn about the opening and assess the situation. He looked the setup over and decided he liked it well enough to stay, "at least a couple of years." But, as it turned out, his stay extended much longer than that.
The hospital cafeteria was full of nurses, hospital staff members and other friends who were on hand to wish Dr. Tucker well. A sign at the door welcomed guests to the "surprise mustache bash" for the doctor, and mustache garlands and blue and white balloons added to the festive atmosphere. Small stick-on mustaches were provided and several folks had put them on their faces to make "Doc" feel right at home.
Local pharmacists Ron Teasley and Ken Austin, and Patrick Hall, another of Dr. Billy Hall's sons, all spoke briefly and reminisced about Tucker's arrival in town. Teasley admitted he was a bit intimidated when he first met Tucker. "He was so tall, had such a deep voice and, on top of all that, he was a damn Yankee," he chuckled. (Tucker is a Michigan native and graduated from the University of Michigan medical school in 1983.)
Teasley went on to say he decided Tucker was "a pretty sharp guy" and a real asset to the community. "You have a kind heart and it's a pleasure having you here," he said.
Ken Austin also thanked Tucker for coming to Gravette and said, "If he'll stay another 30 years, we'll try to get him trained." Austin recalled how his son Nick was born on the night the clinic Christmas party was scheduled and Tucker missed the party while attending the birth.
Patrick Hall remembered the day Tucker arrived in town and said it was "life-changing" for all of his family because "we realized we had found someone who could take the pressure off my dad."
Dr. David Hall called in a few minutes later to greet his former classmate and recalled memories about the day on speaker phone.
Dr. Tucker admitted he didn't often speak to so many people at one time, but he thanked all who attended. He said he had no intentions to try to match Dr. Hall's record of practice (he's only about halfway there), but he did plan to stay several more years.
"It's an honor to be here, to help take care of people and make good friends. It's been a great experience. I've had great partners and staff and some really great patients. I've learned from them."
He concluded by saying he appreciated the support of the clinic and the hospital.
Following his remarks, Tucker was given a crystal trophy from the Ozarks Community Hospital with the inscription, "Dr. David Tucker, Presented in appreciation of your many years of dedicated service, devotion and commitment to the Gravette community, OCH Health System, July, 2016." He also received a basket of gifts and several cards from those attending.
Party guests enjoyed viewing scrapbooks and photo albums filled with memories from Tucker's years in the area. Cake, ice cream and punch were served.
Community on 07/27/2016