Lorraine Kaye Tucker

Lorraine Kaye Tucker passed away peacefully Thursday, August 5, in her home in Fort Walton Beach where she lived since 1974.

Lorraine was born in Columbus, MS, in 1934 to Frances French Kaye (Wilkins) and Captain. Samuel Kaye, Jr.

She enjoyed her patriotic heritage, which included “Uncle George” as she was a direct descendant of Charles Washington.  Her father Sam served in the famous 94 ^th Aero Squadron with Eddie Rickenbacker in WWI, and her Stepfather Glover Wilkins, was a prominent Washington lobbyist and pivotal part of the development of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

While in Columbus, Lorraine was a member of the Pioneer Society of Columbus, Colonial Dames of America and Daughters of the American Revolution.  She also served as Queen of the Columbus, MS, Junior Auxiliary Pilgrimage Ball.  She attended Gulf Park College in Gulfport, MS, and the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO.

Lorraine married James M. Tucker from Oxford, MS, on February 23, 1957.  Her early years as a devoted Army wife to her husband “Tucker” were spent traveling and living in France and Germany.  While he served his country in Vietnam, Lorraine brought her young son Carlton back to Columbus to live near her beloved grandmother, “Mudear”.  After Jim’s return, she became pregnant with her daughter Charlotte and eventually, Army life led them to Fort Walton Beach where they lived at Camp Rudder while Jim served as Commanding Officer.  They fell in love with the area and chose to retire in Fort Walton Beach in 1975.

Lorraine was an avid animal lover and advocate.  She was known as a keen card player and savvy investor who could tell you what the stock market was doing at anytime.

Lorraine is predeceased by her son, James Carlton Tucker and her brother, Dr. Jack Kaye, Jr.  She is survived by her husband Lt Colonel. James M. Tucker; daughter, Charlotte Lorraine Tucker Hardy (Mark Hardy) and granddaughters Collier and Carlton Hardy of Columbus, MS, daughter-in-law, Mary Alice Tucker and grandchildren, Kaye Marie Tucker and James Hampton Tucker (Gabrielle Jarrett Tucker)great granddaughter Addison Mae Tucker of Fort Walton Beach, FL, her sister, Linda Wilkins New (Ned New).

A graveside service will be held at Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, MS, Saturday August 14 at 5:30pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Socks of FWB and Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, FL, or Columbus ASPCA in Columbus, MS.