Steven Ray Tickle, affectionately known as “Tickle,” is a household name in the world of reality television, particularly in the realm of the Discovery Channel’s docudramas. As a charismatic television personality, Tickle has captured the hearts of audiences with his involvement in shows like Moonshiners and Tickle. Born in the United States, Tickle currently resides in rural Pittsylvania County, Virginia, where he is often seen working as a carpenter in the town of Gretna. With a career spanning various endeavors, including television stardom, carpentry, and even a brief foray into politics, Tickle’s life is as fascinating as it is intriguing.
From Carpenter to Reality TV Star
Steven Ray Tickle, affectionately known as “Tickle,” has had a multifaceted career that spans beyond his reality TV fame. Before becoming a household name, Tickle worked as a union carpenter, honing his skills in the construction industry. In 2013, he was reported to have been a top carpenter in the Washington D.C. area, where he played a crucial role in building the popular Clyde’s Restaurant near the Verizon Center downtown. This experience not only showcased his expertise but also demonstrated his ability to work in high-pressure environments.
Tickle’s decision to pursue a career in reality TV was a significant turning point in his life. He began appearing on the Discovery Channel’s docudramas, including Moonshiners and Tickle. The shows, which document the lives of moonshine producers in rural Virginia, provided a unique platform for Tickle to share his experiences and showcase his charismatic personality. His initial success on Moonshiners catapulted him to fame, and he quickly became a fan favorite due to his engaging on-screen presence and down-to-earth demeanor.
The Making of a Moonshiner

Steven Ray Tickle’s involvement in the Discovery Channel’s docudramas Moonshiners and Tickle has made him a household name. The show, which premiered in 2011, follows the lives of a group of moonshiners in rural Virginia, where Tickle resides. As a key figure in the series, Tickle’s experiences on Moonshiners have been a defining aspect of his career. Viewers have been drawn to his charismatic personality and willingness to take risks, often putting himself in precarious situations.
Confronting Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Tickle’s role on Moonshiners has not been without its challenges. The show’s production team has captured his struggles with law enforcement, rival moonshiners, and the ever-present threat of being caught by authorities. Despite these obstacles, Tickle has consistently demonstrated his resourcefulness and determination, often relying on his knowledge of the area and his connections within the moonshining community to stay one step ahead. His ability to navigate these complex situations has made him a fan favorite among viewers.
A Key Figure in the Moonshining World
As a central figure in the Moonshiners cast, Tickle has become synonymous with the world of moonshining. His involvement in the show has not only provided a unique glimpse into this secretive world but has also helped to humanize the individuals involved. Through his experiences on Moonshiners, Tickle has shown that even the most unlikely individuals can become heroes in their own right, and his legacy as a key figure in the moonshining world continues to grow with each new season of the show.
Running for Office: Tickle’s Political Ambitions

In 2013, Steven Ray Tickle, also known as Tickle, announced his intention to run for Congress in Virginia’s 5th congressional district as an independent candidate. This decision was made public during an interview, where he expressed his desire to challenge U.S. Representative Robert Hurt. Tickle’s candidacy was a significant development, as it marked a new chapter in his life beyond his work as a reality TV star.
| Biography Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Ray Tickle |
| Common Name | Tickle |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Union Carpenter, Television Personality |
| Notable Works / Achievements | Moonshiners, Tickle |
| Residence | Pittsylvania County, Virginia, Gretna |
| Previous Residence | Washington D.C. area |
Tickle’s platform, although not extensively detailed, was centered around his desire to bring about change and represent the people of Virginia’s 5th congressional district. As an independent candidate, he aimed to distance himself from the traditional party politics, promising to be a voice for the voiceless. His decision to run for Congress was seen as a bold move, given his background as a reality TV star and his lack of experience in politics. However, Tickle’s determination to make a difference and his willingness to take on the challenge were evident in his announcement.
Despite his efforts, Tickle’s candidacy did not gain significant traction, and he ultimately did not succeed in his bid for Congress. However, his decision to run for office showcased his entrepreneurial spirit and his willingness to take risks. As a reality TV star, Tickle has always been known for his bold personality and his ability to think outside the box, and his foray into politics was no exception. His decision to run for Congress demonstrated his commitment to making a positive impact on his community and his desire to be a force for change.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurial Spirit

As a successful television personality, Steven Ray Tickle has also explored various business ventures outside of reality TV. His experience as a union carpenter has provided a solid foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit. In this capacity, Tickle has demonstrated his ability to excel in the construction industry, having worked on notable projects such as the popular Clyde’s Restaurant near the Verizon Center in Washington D.C.
Tickle’s business acumen extends beyond his work in construction. He has also been involved in various investments, although specific details about these ventures are not publicly disclosed. As a shrewd businessman, Tickle has likely leveraged his experience and reputation to secure lucrative opportunities. His ability to navigate multiple business ventures has undoubtedly contributed to his financial success.
While Tickle’s business ventures are not as widely publicized as his reality TV career, they demonstrate his versatility and entrepreneurial drive. As a seasoned professional, Tickle has likely developed a keen sense of business and finance, allowing him to navigate the complexities of various industries with ease. His success in these ventures has undoubtedly played a significant role in his overall net worth and financial success.
Personal Life and Relationships
Steven Ray Tickle, also known as Tickle, is a private individual when it comes to his personal life. However, it is known that he is married and has been open about his family life. Tickle’s wife is a constant presence on the reality TV show Moonshiners, where he has been a main cast member for several seasons. The couple’s relationship has been portrayed as strong and supportive, with Tickle often crediting his wife for being his rock.
In addition to his wife, Tickle has also been open about his relationships with his children. Although he has not publicly disclosed the names or ages of his children, it is clear that they are an important part of his life. Tickle has often spoken about the challenges of balancing his family life with his career as a reality TV star. Despite these challenges, it appears that Tickle’s family life is a source of great joy and support for him.
Tickle’s relationships with his family members are an essential part of his personal life. While he may be known for his antics on Moonshiners, his family life is a more private and intimate aspect of his personality. Tickle’s commitment to his family is evident in the way he portrays them on the show and in his public statements about their importance in his life.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Steven Ray Tickle’s estimated net worth is not publicly disclosed, but his various sources of income have contributed to his financial success. As a reality TV personality, Tickle earns a significant amount from his appearances on shows such as Moonshiners and Tickle on the Discovery Channel. His involvement in these docudramas has likely generated substantial revenue through episode fees, merchandise sales, and sponsorships.
In addition to his reality TV career, Tickle’s experience as a union carpenter has provided a stable source of income. He has worked on notable projects, including the construction of Clyde’s Restaurant near the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. This experience has likely contributed to his financial stability and may have also opened up opportunities for him to pursue other business ventures. Tickle’s ability to diversify his income streams has helped him maintain a comfortable financial situation.
Tickle’s entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take risks have likely played a significant role in his financial success. His decision to run for Congress in 2013, although unsuccessful, demonstrates his confidence in his ability to navigate complex financial situations and take calculated risks. While the exact figure of his net worth remains unknown, it is clear that Tickle’s various sources of income have contributed to his financial stability and success. His ability to adapt and diversify his income streams has been a key factor in his financial success.