Tim Luckey

Our family lost a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and a Veteran of several foreign wars; a hero to our country. On January 9th, 2024, at the age of 65, Timothy Lee Luckey passed away unexpectedly. Born on September 5, 1958, in an elevator at the hospital in Traverse City to parents Helen Belle and Woodrow Wilson Luckey, he was the youngest of five siblings. Growing up in Traverse City, he attended St. Francis High School and a year at Interlochen Arts Academy. After graduation, he was accepted into the United States Air Force where he served 20 years; serving in Korea, Panama during Operation Just Cause, Desert Storm, and Japan leaving the Air Force as a Tech Sergeant. He also served two years at the Sherriff’s department in Tucson, Arizona, specializing in the Gang Task Force Unit. He then served three years as a Military Contractor for the Army and Marines, where he worked at Camp Doha, Kuwait, before returning stateside to care for his mother, along with his military bomb dog, Doshka, during her retirement. When we say a hero to our country, he truly was. Tim received countless Military accommodations, certificates and awards for serving our country. He also performed background investigation work for Homeland Security, Border Patrol, Space Force, and ICE; which required a high-level security clearance. His true skills lie in his investigative abilities, and counter terrorism tactics. We also lost a lot of stories with Tim’s passing - stories from around the world that would make any American family proud. In his pocket, he carried his favorite challenge coin of when he was honored to guard Air Force One for President Ronald W. Reagan. Tim will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Vicki Luckey, his children Timothy (Jennifer), Mathew (Jessica), Tiffany, and Joshua (Shelby). Stepchildren; Amber (Luciano), and Jordan (Rose). Grandchildren Tyler, Preston, Kendall, Evan, True, Evie, Sloane, Ally, Lily, Bennett, Clara, with another grandchild on the way. Brother James Luckey, Mother-in-Law Sandra Pyle, along with many nieces, nephews, fellow comrades, friends, and his recent dog, Molly. Preceding him in death are both of his parents, stepfather, Chet Paddock, siblings Jerry Luckey, Michael Luckey and De Ann Allers. Father-in-law Kenneth Pyle and Military partner, Doshka. Tim’s children, Timothy and Mathew were raised in Michigan by their wonderful Mother, Julia Luckey-Ottenwess. While in the service, he became father to Tiffany and Joshua, who traveled to many countries with him. Once he came back to the Traverse City area, Tim reunited with his two older sons and met his partner in life, Vicki. While in the area, Tim also served as a police officer in Traverse City, was a Commander of the local VFW and worked at Best Buy, where he was known as Pops. Aside from family and his dedication to his country, Tim’s passion was playing the piano, working with his military dog, talking to fellow comrades, dancing with Vicki, and serving our community. Military Honors Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Cherryland Post #2780 VFW on Veterans Drive in Traverse City. Memorial contributions can be made to the Traverse City Police K-9 Unit and/or Cherryland Post #2780 VFW Honor Guard.

Tim Luckey

September 5, 1958 - January 9, 2024