I took off my dress shoes, tie and suit on Tuesday afternoon, threw them in the closet and cussed at how I didn't want to see them again. With the exception of church, a wedding or a job interview with ESPN, I want no part of trying to look fancy.

These funerals are really starting to make me angry.

Those closest to Daniel Tucker got together with his family for a ceremony at Cascade's football field. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

Of course I can only imagine how the loved ones of those who've passed feel, especially when a child leaves us before their parents. It's easily the worst pain I've come across in my short time on earth.

C. Daniel Thomas Tucker, who was probably still opening graduation presents, was laid to rest Tuesday. He leaves behind three younger brothers and is the son of Connie Shrader and Tommy and Tewaan Tucker.

The world was Daniel's oyster as he had already memorized his class schedule at Lambuth University in Jackson and was readying himself for a career on the football field after staring at center and defensive tackle for Cascade.

"Big Tuck" was best described by his friend and offensive coordinator Maurice Carkuff as a "gentle giant."

The relationship between folks and Daniel was hardly what you expect out of a teenager. He didn't get shy around adults and didn't wreak havoc on the community during leisure time with fellow students.

Late Tuesday night, loved ones remembered "Big Tuck" with a candlelight ceremony on the football field of the Wartrace/Bell Buckle school.

"We did that with Allen (Ray) and that was a really good reliever for the kids," Champion coach Kenny Parker said. "When you lose somebody like that, it's a sad situation. We're all upset for the loss. When we get together like that, we get to see the humorous part of the person.

"It's sort of a good closure in that you forget about the fact that they're not with us anymore. You remember the good times that you had with them.

"Only time will tell if it helped with Daniel. But, both of those kids are super people, super young men."

Story after story, memory after memory, the dim glow emitted by the small flames shook with those in presence amongst the consistent laughter of the crowd.

Parker spoke of what first came to mind in remembering Daniel.

"Well, first I see that smile. And, he just had a knack for being a natural leader. People drew to Daniel. He could make you laugh. Even when you were as mad and frustrated as you could be, he'd get a smile out of you, not only with the older kids but the younger kids down at the elementary school. Every one of them knew Tuck.

"He'd play with them and read with them. He was just a great role model."

On top of sharing his time with youngsters and relieving stress in the weight room, Tucker worked in the lawn and garden center at Wal-Mart.

His tragedy is the third loss Cascade's Class of 2007 has endured as Diana Keim and Shane Rowland also left us early.

"Within the last four years, we've lost five," said Parker, who also noted Ben Chandler's sudden death during a car crash.

Tucker (57) mans the defensive line with Champion teammates Timmy Sanders (52) and Seth Carter (53) during the '06 season. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

Parker mentioned that Daniel is his third current or former football player to go early after Chris Wiser died in a truck wreck and Allen Ray passed away following summer conditioning.

Former quarterback David Gallagher played with all three. He took center stage several times during the candlelight ceremony to enlighten the crowd of Daniel's many ways of creating smiles.

"He consistently had a good attitude with everything he was doing whether it was on the field or off the field," said Gallagher, now a sophomore in college.

"Somebody told me the other day that one of his family members never got a chance to watch him play football. I told him, 'Well, honestly, I never did either, because when I did play, (Tucker) played left tackle and I was quarterback. He was always blocking for me in the back.' I just know I saw him saving me a bunch of times on film."

So many catastrophes in such a short amount of time for young kids trying to find their place in society is a tough pill to swallow.

"In a time of need, you need to lift your head up and look at the Lord," Parker said. "I really do believe He looks down after this school. It's just like one big family."

Tucker was a true protecter not only on the gridior but off it as well. He was one of those kids that avoided several of the vices that overtake teengagers, but his number was called despite his good works.

There's no reading the minds of our adolescents in tough times.

Will his friends note how he passed and live life on the edge from now on thinking they have no free will over when they will leave us? Or, will they dial back fast-paced lifestyles, learn from the tragedies and take every precaution necessary to see tomorrow?

Only time will tell.

Until then, let's remember the great times Daniel Tucker gave us.

Danny Parker is sports editor of the Times-Gazette.