In 1948, rodeo was a popular American pastime. This era was also marked by the cowboy movie star’s rise to fame, with the 1940s and 1950s witnessing a craze for cowboy films. This movie showed the cowboy way of life, which created a sense of longing for the Wild West. Amidst this wave of popularity, a real rodeo legend was born.

Jimmy Ray Tucker, was born on September 28, 1948, in Pahokee, Florida. He showed his skills in rodeo at a very young age. He was not only a rodeo star who entered the real rodeo but also an artist who painted Old Florida landscapes and cow skulls. Sadly, at the age of 85, he rode his last ride, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

The Rodeo maverick

Jimmy Ray Tucker, known as ?Reno?, passed away four days back on 10 October. Reno’s life was a tribute to his love for horses and the exhilaration of the rodeo. In his early teens, he began breaking horses for a local rancher, a skill that would set the stage for a remarkable rodeo career. At the tender age of 14, Reno’s courage led him to his first “real” rodeo, where he mounted a bareback bucking horse, igniting a passion that would fuel his life for nearly three decades.

Throughout his illustrious rodeo career, Reno Tucker fearlessly competed in an array of events, from bareback bronc riding to saddle bronc riding and bull riding. His name became synonymous with the thrilling world of rodeo, his tenacity and undeniable skills endearing him to fans and fellow cowboys alike. Even as the adrenaline of the ride began to subside, Reno took on a new role as a rodeo clown, ensuring the safety of his cowboy brothers in the arena.

Beyond the arena: Art, family, and community

Reno Tucker was a multifaceted cowboy, with a heart as big as the American West. In addition to his rodeo feats, he was an accomplished artist, finding solace and expression in painting Old Florida landscapes and cow skulls. Through his artwork, he captured the essence of the Floridian countryside and the rustic charm of cowboy life.

But Reno’s legacy extended well beyond his artistic pursuits. He leaves behind a loving partner, Betty Ann Harris, who stood by his side in Okeechobee. Reno’s family, a testament to his enduring love, includes his children, Crate, Josh, Gibb, Zachary, and Jacob, along with eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His family circle was further enriched by his brother, Crate P. Tucker, as well as stepbrothers Wayne Jarriel, Donnell Jarriel, and Steve Smith, along with stepsister Joan J. Ramsey.

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The community of Okeechobee and the wider rodeo world have lost a cherished figure, a man who embodied the timeless values of the cowboy way of life. To remember and honour Jimmie “Reno” Ray Tucker, the family will receive friends for a service on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the Buxton and Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Port Mayaca Cemetery.

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