Serving up kindness one plate at a time

Sara Tucker, the owner of Sara’s Big R in Florala, is the embodiment of true Southern hospitality. With a heart as big as her buffet, Tucker doesn’t just serve up Southern-style meals, but also heaping helpings of compassion and support to her community.

Her generous spirit recently earned her the Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass award, and it’s easy to see why.

Community hub

A family business, Sara’s Big R has been a staple in the region since the ’60s, originally owned by Tucker’s grandparents. The eatery was known for its root beer — hence the Big R — but she has transformed it into a community hub. From feeding the hungry to offering a place for retired folks to gather for a hearty meal, Sara’s Big R is more than just a restaurant.

Tucker’s philosophy is simple: “You just gotta help people.”

It’s a principle that shines through in her actions, whether it’s providing food for funerals, giving away homemade pies during the holidays or letting customers short on cash eat for free. Her generosity extends to local football teams, senior citizens’ groups and anyone else in need.

Beyond the restaurant

Her hospitality doesn’t stop at the restaurant door. Tucker runs a bed-and-breakfast, manages a campground and acts as a caregiver for her elderly father. She also drives p e ople to appointments and visits with them in the hospital, often bringing them food. She sees helping others as a duty that requires personal sacrifice. “I don’t have a life,” she says. “I’ve stayed at the restaurant out there for weeks at a time. I wouldn’t even leave, just go to my room.”

Tucker’s service is inspired by a lineage of giving. Her mother was known to visit hospitals, raise money for funerals and help anyone she could. This legacy of generosity has left a lasting impression, driving her to continue acts of kindness primarily through her passion for cooking.

“I’ll always give,” she says. “I’ll do it as long as I can.”

One plate at a time

Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass, a part- nership between Wiregrass Electric Cooperative and WTVY, is tasked with finding and recognizing unsung heroes, like Tucker, who make great contributions to their communities. Each silent hero is presented with a $1,000 grant from WEC’s Operation Round Up Foundation.

“Our members are the reason Operation Round Up can give back to our communities and recognize outstanding people like Sara, who dedicate their lives to selfless service,” says WEC COO Brad Kimbro. “On behalf of Wiregrass Electric, we continue to thank our members who volunteer to round their bills up to the next highest dollar each month to fund this program and make it successful.”

Despite her tireless work, Tucker was taken aback by the recognition. “I was shocked,” she says.

Tucker’s actions echo louder than any words, making a tangible difference in people’s lives every day. Sara Tucker may feel she doesn’t have a life, but it’s clear she gives life to those around her, one plate at a time. 