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Rick Tuck
Dunnie Tuck
April 10th, 1937 - April 3rd, 2022
April 10th, 1937 - April 3rd, 2022
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:
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 has always considered the Pueblo Crew his brothers and extended family. There have been 16 reunions between 1985 and 2021 and he & Vie were able to attend 13 of them. These events have directly led to enduring friendships among crew and spouses.
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.
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Reid W Sandford
Dear Vie & Family: Please know that you are in June & my prayers. We are a long way, in years, from the “Club House “on the river at Stennis and even a longer time removed from Suitland, MD and the pizza joint across the street from Main NAVO. “Memories Pressed between the pages of my mind, Memories Sweetened through the ages just like wine…” A story to remember. Dick (Dunnie) was touring North Korea (so to speak – on sabbatical and unpaid leave from NAVO) when I came to work for Claude Coffey and Mine Warfare at the Navy Yard in DC. Mr. Coffey was showing me the different offices and introducing me to everyone when he stopped at the special door (buzz to get in). I was a little surprised at the special entrance and “limited access” door. Then, as we entered, he said something like “This is where the Pueblo team works!” I did a double take – what was that… this was August 1968 and said “uh, like the Pueblo that was captured by North Korea?” Claude replied “that’s the same one!” So, I am then wondering “what have I gotten myself into?” Well, years later as Dick & I worked closer together (years I will never forget) and I heard his stories (stories I will never forget) I was amazed at what the Pueblo guys went through and did. But as only Dick could tell the stories the way he did, some very sad, but some…well he made us laugh at how he handled things and did what he did to “play with their minds!” We will not do a recap of all that now though! All this written to say – he kept that same tenacious attitude and mindset that he became famous for as he came through and overcame his NK experience. A poem before I go. Again, praying for you and the family. Love in Christ, Reid & June Sandford Footprints in the Sand! One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me." He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testing’s. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you." Unknown Author
Chris Smoot
Tuck was one of those guys who always had something good to say, especially when he had a glass of rum in his hand. And, you better have some in the house when he came to visit! JB and I always enjoyed visiting with Vie and Tuck. The times were never boring to say the least. Miss you, bro. Aloha
Dan Gilbert
Friar was an amazing and extraordinary Christian, who walked the talk. He was a hero and patriot, who served our country with courage and loyalty. It was an honor to know him and serve him. Jan and I always enjoyed our time with Vie and Friar -- we laughed, shared, and treasured our time together with them.
C.holt
An honor and privilege to have known him since my childhood years growing up in Virginia and ever more in awe of this truly remarkable human being so proud to be able to have called him an uncritical friend a surefire inspiration and a dear cousin ...may you rest in everlasting Peace and laughter forever...we'll do our best to keep the light burning brightly for you down here Mr. Dunnie Tuck!!!
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