Johnny Burton Tysinger “Bucky”

Johnny Burton Tysinger “Bucky”, 74, passed away at his home in Cape Carteret on Thursday, May 15, 2025, after a short battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by his 3 children during his last moments.

He was born Nov. 16, 1950, in Asheboro to Sulon and Helen Tysinger. He was a premature baby when premature babies didn’t always make it. He was a fighter from the beginning; probably where the nickname, Bucky, came from…. Always bucking life and fighting for everything. 

He married the love of his life, Deborah Tysinger, on Sept. 28, 1976, and they raised their three children in Farmer.

John worked from the time he was 13 years old. A proud Vietnam War veteran, he signed up for service when he was only 17 after seeing many of his friends drafted. He served his country with honor and carried the same steadfast spirit throughout his life. 

He continued his service by serving in the Honor Guard for several years honoring other veterans who have passed. 

He spent the bulk of his career as a knitting machine fixer and was always the man they called when they had a machine that could not be fixed. He made Nike socks before Nike was what it is today. 

He took pride in his family and enjoyed time spent together — especially when they involved fishing trips or long rides on his Harley. 

He loved the open road and the quiet of the water and found peace in the simple pleasures of life.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Tysinger, and his brother, Richard “Dicky” Tysinger.

John is survived by his three children, Terri (Will) Ashby of Cape Carteret, Mark (Stacy) Tysinger of Glasgow, VA, and David (Noralba) Tysinger of Charlotte; grandchildren, Clay Ashby, Sally Ashby and Daniel Cui; and sisters, Janet Clayton and Paget Lassiter.

There was a private graveside service at Mount Pleasant Community Church Cemetary in Trinity on Monday, May 19, with Pastor Tim Landreth of Carolina Memorial Baptist Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in memory or give to a local veteran’s organization.