In Loving Memory of Reggie Anthony "Tony" Rye

Reggie Anthony "Tony" Rye 

December 20, 1957 – August 30, 2026 

Reggie Anthony Rye, affectionately known to family and friends as "Tony," passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, surrounded by his loving family. He was 68 years old. 

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. As a youth, he played Little League baseball and football for the Rainier community. He went on to attend Rainier Beach High School, where he excelled on the basketball court before graduating in 1976. He later continued his education at 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 his hometown of Seattle in 2000 to continue his outreach work. After facing early-onset glaucoma and losing his sight at age 47, Tony navigated profound challenges, including battles with his health and addiction. Yet, through it all, Tony displayed remarkable resilience. His true superpower was his epic ability to love with steadfastness, 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. and Jackie Rye, his sisters, Sally Rye-Gomes and Shirley Cunningham (Las Vegas), his nieces and nephews (Brian, Angela, Tara, Mieko, Robin, Terry, Stephanie, Gerald, Ricky, Leanne and Ben) as well as many extended family members and friends, who also held him dear. 

The Rye family extends their heartfelt gratitude to relatives and friends for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, calls, texts, and condolences. A very special thank you goes to the compassionate medical team at St. Joseph Medical Center for their exceptional care and dedication in keeping Tony comfortable and pain-free during his final days.  

We want to thank the staff at Healthy Heart Adult Family Home, where Tony resided the last three years.