Dunnie Richard Tuck

Dunnie Richard Tuck of Picayune MS passed away peacefully on April 3, 2022, just one-week shy of his 85th birthday from complications from lymphoma. Known as "Richard", "Dick", "Friar", or most commonly as "Tuck", he was born in South Boston VA on April 10, 1937. He graduated from TJHS in Richmond, VA in 1955. Earned his B. A. in Biology, from the Virginia Military Institute in 1959. And an M. A. in Marine Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science (part of the College of William & Mary) in 1969. Tuck went into the Army in 1959 and attended Armor School at Fort Knox and the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning and earned his parachutist badge (the second time he ever got into a plane in his life he had to jump out of it). He left the Army Reserve as a Captain in 1967.

In February 1966, he became employed by the U. S. Naval Oceanographic Office as an oceanographer in the Oceanographic Surveys Department. He served the US Government with passion, humor, honor, and commitment for 32 years. NAVO was his family. They honored him with the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Their write-up can be read here: , https://io.rav42.com/NAVO_bio

Tuck was a lifelong student of history, especially military history. But it was on a Navy ship in 1968 as the senior civilian oceanographer aboard the USS Pueblo that Tuck became part of military history himself when the ship and crew were captured by North Korea. He spent 11 months in captivity, enduring indescribable mental and physical torture, never giving up hope or love of his country. For his sacrifice and service, he was subsequently awarded the Purple Heart, the Navy's Distinguished Civilian Service Medal, and most dear to him, the POW medal.

Tuck's personality was larger than life. He approached everything with joy and positivity; the life of every party. Tuck always showed up ready to have a good time no matter where he went. Dressed up in a t-shirt with a funny saying or a Hawaiian shirt, he would always show up with a go-cup in hand, usually empty looking for a refill, ready to toast the day. His laughter was infectious; his charm undeniable.

Tuck's insatiable love of travel took him to all continents, dozens of countries, all 50 states, and nearly all of their counties. Tuck's road trips became affectionately known as "Tuck's Torture Tours" because they crammed in all imaginable points of interest with little time to actually stop for long! Heaven forbid you took a nap; you might miss something epic.

He proposed to the love of his life, Violet, in 1969 on the exact one-year anniversary to the exact minute of his release from North Korea, pointing out in his proposal that he was giving up his freedom once again, this time willingly, to her. Together they enjoyed an amazing life, living in Virginia, Turkey, Hawaii, San Diego, and finally settling in Picayune, MS.

He was preceded by his parents, Pearl and Dunnie; and sister Carolyn Gardner. He told us towards the end that he was very much looking forward to seeing them again.

Tuck leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Vie, a daughter Patricia Easterling, a son D. Richard Tuck III, two grandchildren, Austin and Chloe, two step-grandchildren Sam and Davy, two nieces Karen and Beverly, and numerous cousins, but he promised Chris he wouldn't say who was his favorite. He also leaves behind an extended family and countless friends who are forever changed for the good for knowing him.

Arrangements are under the direction of Picayune Funeral Home.