Harry Tucker (Tuck) Haskins, Jr. of Roanoke passed away after a long illness and went to be with the Lord on September 1, 2024. Harry was born in Clifton Forge, VA on October 8, 1936 and was preceded in death by his parents Harry Tucker Haskins and Mary Ann Kennedy, brother William Eugene Haskins, sisters Harriet H. Smith and Marian H. Raleigh, and late wife Darlene Terry Haskins. Harry is survived by his loving wife Judith Barrett Haskins, daughters and husbands Melanie and Scott Leweke of Blue Ridge, VA and Kathryn and Kevin Glasgow of Milton, GA and Nadine Kelley of Roanoke, mother of his children. Also surviving are stepchildren Will Abernethy of Roanoke, Nathan and Julie Abernethy of Roanoke, Whitney Miller of Dillwyn, and Steve Wilson and Ken Wilson. Surviving grandchildren are Greg and Sam Glasgow, Emma and Mary Leweke, and step-grandchildren Kaylee and Rachel Goin, Elijah, Nora and Isaac Abernethy.
Harry graduated from Clifton Forge High School in 1955, attended Richmond Professional Institute (now VCU) from 1955-1956, earned an Associate Degree in Applied Police Science in 1971 from Virginia Western Community College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Roanoke College in 1981. Harry also graduated from the 104th Session of the FBI National Academy in 1976.
Harry’s employment with and commitment to law enforcement and public service was extensive. Harry served in the Army National Guard from 1954-1963. He was employed by the Virginia State Police from 1958-1974 as Trooper, Investigator, Sergeant, and Investigator First Sergeant. He served as Special Agent, U.S. Forest Service from 1974-1975 and as Chief of Police for the City of Salem from 1975-1995. In 1996 he was elected to Salem City Council and served until 2000. Tuck was credited with designing or creating numerous innovations within the Salem police department which brought it statewide recognition including: a new enhanced 911 dispatching center, a Youth Services Officer position for the new Salem High School in 1977, a Vice and Narcotics Unit, an Evidence Specialist position providing state of the art crime scene processing, and the first smaller terminal of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) in the State of Virginia. Harry also created the Salem Police Color Guard and had the first City of Salem flag made for the unit. Harry initiated a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) position in 1985 for Salem City Schools. Harry, along with Forest Jones, created Salem Camp DARE in 1991 for children of Andrew Lewis Middle School, of which he was most proud.
His professional accomplishments were many: he founded Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy in Salem in 1983, serving as chairman of its board for ten years and board member until his retirement. Harry also served seven years as Executive Committee member, Vice President and President of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP). In 1980 Governor John Dalton appointed Harry representing the VACP to The Criminal Justice Services Commission and in 1982 by Governor Charles Robb to the Criminal Justice Services Board, where he served for three years. He was the first chairman of the committee on Training which regulated training for all law enforcement officers in the state. Harry also served on the Emergency Preparedness Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Harry enjoyed playing drums and being Drum Major with the Scottish Society of the Virginia Highlands in the Virginia Highland Pipes and Drums. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America on the district and council levels and received the Silver Beaver award and Wood Badge distinction. In 1995 he received the James E. West Fellowship. Tuck was a member of Rotary and was president of the Salem Club in 1994-1995 and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also active in Free Masonry and was a member of Taylor Lodge #23 in Salem. He served as Lodge Master in 1985.
Harry worshiped the Lord and was a member of the Salem Church of Christ for many years.
The family will receive friends from 6:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday, September 6 at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem, with services at 11:00 am at Lotz on Saturday, September 7 with the Reverend Mike Flinchum officiating. Graveside services to follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Salem Church of Christ Thailand Mission, 401 West Main St., Salem, VA 24153 or the Salem Police Department.
