A $184,000 planned gift from Martha “Ratch” Ratchford and her husband, William A. Tucker Jr., to the University of Mississippi establishes two endowments that will honor the donors’ lives while providing scholarships for Ole Miss students.
The Martha “Ratch” Ratchford Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) Scholarship Endowment, which honors Ratch’s time at Ole Miss and her membership in the KKG sorority, will help students who are active KKG members. A second endowment in Ratchford’s name will assist students majoring in health, exercise science or recreation management, aligning with the donors’ academic backgrounds.
Melinda Valliant, interim dean of the School of Applied Sciences, thanked the couple for their generosity, noting, “It’s because of this philanthropic spirit that Ms. Ratchford and Mr. Tucker have shown to the school that students will be able to receive an education here that they may not have been able to afford previously.”
Caroline Hourin, the director of development for the College of Liberal Arts, agreed: “Their life of service has benefited so many, and we are proud to continue their legacy here at Ole Miss.”
The couple, residents of Fernandina Beach, Florida, began their journey together as high school sweethearts. Both graduated from college in 1974, with Ratch earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Ole Miss and Tucker a Bachelor of Science in Health, Leisure and Sports from the University of West Florida. Ratch continued her education, earning a Master in Education in 1976 from Ole Miss and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies in 1992 from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
As a UM undergrad, Ratch pledged Kappa, an affiliation that remains meaningful to her today. In fact, she still meets regularly with the lifelong friends she made as sorority sisters.
“The bonds we’ve made have lasted a lifetime”, she shared, emphasizing that this enduring connection, maintained for over 50 years, has been the most rewarding experience she took from Ole Miss.
In 1979, Ratch joined the Navy, and the couple was separated by distance. Their paths crossed again in 1991 under somber circumstances, reuniting at the time of Tucker’s mother’s passing. With their deep bond rekindled, they were married two years later and now boast a 31-year marriage.
Both Ratch and Tucker served distinguished careers as commanders in the U.S. Navy.
Tucker served as the Main Propulsion Assistant and Navigator aboard the USS Joseph Strauss, where he qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer. He also served at the Recruit Training Command in Orlando, Florida, and his final Naval Reserve tour was as Commanding Officer of Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 207, where he received a Command Ashore Badge. Tucker, who retired from the Naval Reserve in 1995 after 20 years of service, also earned a Navy Commendation Medal and a Navy Achievement Medal among various other medals and honors.
Ratch’s distinguished 22-year naval career began as an ensign at a Carrier Airborne Early Warning Training Squadron in Norfolk, Virginia. Her duty stations include tours at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute at Patrick Air Force Base, where she earned the Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge. She also served at the Trident Training and Refit Facilities in Kings Bay, Georgia; the Naval War College; the University of Florida Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in Gainesville, Florida; and as Officer in Charge of the Military Sealift Command on Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory.
Ratch retired from the U.S. Navy in 2001, ending her career in Kings Bay at the Naval Submarine Base and the Trident Refit Facility. Her exceptional service earned her the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, four Navy Meritorious Service Medals, a Navy Commendation Medal, a Navy Achievement Medal and various other medals and honors.
Beyond their military service, the couple has enjoyed giving back to their community and church.
Reflecting on her time in college brings back a flood of fond memories for Ratch, whose brother, the late Tommy Ratchford, also graduated from Ole Miss.
“I just loved everything about it,” she said, capturing the deep connection she feels to the institution that played such a significant role in her life.
To make a gift to the Martha “Ratch” Ratchford Scholarship Endowments, click here. Or send a check to the University of Mississippi Foundation, with the fund’s name written in the memo line, to 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655.
To learn more about supporting gifts at the university, contact Caroline Hourin at cehourin@olemiss.edu or 662-801-3995.
By Andy Belt/UM Foundation