Col. Ronnie (Randy) Wayne Tucker

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Col. Ronnie (Randy) Wayne Tucker, United States Army (Ret), age 77, on March 23, 2026, in his home in Tucson, AZ after a three-year courageous battle with cancer.

Randy was a highly decorated Army Colonel who served his country for 29 years 8 months. He was an Army Aviator serving a tour in Vietnam with the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company. He had command of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 333rd Field Artillery at Fort Sill, then served as a Tactics Instructor, a command of a battery and S-3, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Professor of Military Science at the Univ. of Dayton, served in Korea. In Washington D.C. was J-36 Chief of Nuclear Command and Control Directorate, the Joint Staff and Chief of Nuclear Threat Reduction Division. He later commanded 196th Infantry Brigade and culminated his active-duty military career as Chief of Staff U.S. Army Pacific.

Colonel Tucker’s decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit w/OLC, the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w/4 OLC, and Air Medal. Colonel Tucker was also Inducted into the Field Artillery Officer Candidate Hall of Fame in a ceremony at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. (22 awards total)

Randy earned his undergraduate degree from University of Nebraska Omaha, a Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University and Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California. In retirement he continued in government service as Director of Operations for the Pacific Disaster Center in Kihei, Maui and served in several other positions until full retirement.

Survivors include his loving wife of 10 years Kathleen (Kamie) Tucker; son, Todd (wife, Kimberly), and two grandchildren, Zachary (14) and Karin (13), all of whom he loved dearly, including his Labrador dog, Lily. He was preceded in death by his parents Randall and Virginia Tucker; son, Chad; brother, Terry (Enterprise Alabama); sister, Cindy and former wife Lorie Manley.

Randy was a man of substance, integrity, and character. Having both an impressive and formidable military career he also had a gentle soul and incredible tenderness and kindness for those he loved. He was a loving husband, a gentle grandpa, and a man of strong faith and love. He was an active member of Rotary and worked tirelessly toward the Club’s charitable goals, loved woodworking and growing amazing roses. Randy was a man with whom you could share hard questions and get honest and thoughtful input. Above all he was a humble man who greatly loved his family.

The world is a better place because of Randy, and the lives around him were enriched by knowing him. He will be deeply missed.

Inurnment will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl in Honolulu, Hawaii with Full Military Honors. A specific date for the ceremony has not yet been set.