Ralph Eldridge Tucker

Beloved Ralph Eldridge Tucker went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. His homecoming was surely a joyful one as he reunited with loved ones. Ralph was an over achiever in life and death as he battled several terminal illnesses. His strength and determination up to the very end was indicative of the way he lived his life.

He was born in Nashville, TN. and raised by his treasured nanny and paw, Etta W. and Clyde E. Tucker.

Ralph’s proudest honor was serving in the United States Army in the elite 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), known as the ‘Screaming Eagles’. He had a passion for jumping out of airplanes which led to his passion for flying them.

After the Army, Ralph worked for Delta Airlines while obtaining his Private and Commercial Pilots’ licenses earning instrument, single engine, and multi engine ratings.

His love for flying and airplanes continued. He went on to have an adventurous 36-year career with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Among his positions with FAA were Federal Air Marshal conducting missions across the globe and creating training protocols; Federal Inspector; Hazmat and Bomb Technician; and Federal Security Manager over Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport. It was at DFW that he met his best friend and soul mate.

Ralph’s career took him to many places, but he felt most ‘at home’ in Texas. After his retirement he continued his hobby and first love of collecting motorcycles and cars, often winning in local shows. He cherished the travels, local adventures and lifelong friends made along the way. If not on a motorcycle or tinkering with cars he and his wife loved camping and their annual travels to Florida and Cabo. Ralph enjoyed his volunteer work with Meals on Wheels and several local animal shelters.

Ralph would encourage everyone to make each minute of your life count as they are blessings; love with all your heart; exercise – it will pay off later in life. Don’t wait - do ALL the things. Time is a thief and it goes by quickly. His was a life well lived and loved. He can now fly free and breathe easy.

Preceded in death by grandparents Etta and Clyde Tucker and father Richard Moore Tichenor and beloved fur babies – Heidi, Red, Jessie, Spook, Lexi and Ellie.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen Grace (Kathy Ailara), son Michael V. Tichenor (Tania), sister Dottie Hellard (Shallon) and fur babies Lulu and Emmy.

Special thanks to Dr. Christopher Wrobel, UTSW and cherished neighbor Danita Fuller.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalm 34:18:

The Tucker family will receive guests at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 1st, from 1:30pm-3:30pm.

A Committal Service with Military Honors for Ralph will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery the following day, Thursday, April 2nd at 2:15pm.