December 20, 1957 – August 20, 2026
Reggie Anthony Rye, 68 years old, affectionately known to family and friends as “Tony”, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Seattle, Washington, on December 20, 1957, to the late Eddie Rye, Sr. and Myrtle (McCall) Rye. Tony grew up with a deep passion for sports. He attended Rainier Beach High School, where he excelled in basketball, graduating in 1976. He later attended the University of Washington. His love for sports remained a constant source of joy throughout his entire life.
In 1985, Tony relocated to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, where he dedicated himself to serving others as a community outreach counselor. He possessed a natural talent for uplifting people, specializing in job development and placement to help individuals build better futures. Tony returned to Seattle in 2000 to continue his outreach work.
At age 16 he was diagnosed with early-onset glaucoma which resulted in loss of his vision at age 47. Tony navigated profound health challenges. Yet, through it all, he displayed remarkable resilience. His true superpower was his empathy and grace. Possessing a heroic, accepting, and fair-minded heart, he loved his family deeply and never once complained about losing his eyesight. Throughout every step of his journey, he was sustained by the unwavering love, care, and encouragement of his family and close friends. The memory of Tony will live on for everyone he loved, and his spirit will forever be with us all.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Rye, Sr. and Myrtle M. Rye; his siblings, Jerry W. Rye and Brenda J. Rye-Brock; and his niece, Tracey L. Looney.
He is survived by his brothers, Eddie Rye, Jr. (Andrea), Jackie Rye (Digene Farrar), and his sisters, Sally Rye-Gomes (Emidio) and Shirley Cunningham (Las Vegas), as well as many extended family members and friends who held him dear.
The Rye family extends their heartfelt gratitude to relatives and friends for the overwhelming outpouring of condolences, love, prayers, flowers and calls. A very special thank you to the compassionate medical/palliative care teams at St. Joseph Medical Center for their exceptional care and dedication in keeping Tony comfortable and pain-free during his final days.
Also, thank you to the staff at the Healthy Heart Adult family home where Tony resided for 3 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
