The Untold Truth of Steven Ray Tickle from Moonshiners

Steven Ray Tickle, better known as simply “Tickle,” emerged as a fan favorite on the Discovery Channel’s docudrama Moonshiners, a show that dives into the secretive world of illegal liquor production in the Appalachian Mountains. Born on November 30, 1976, in Virginia, USA, Tickle, now 49, has led a colorful life that spans moonshining, carpentry, political aspirations, and legal troubles. His infectious laugh, Southern charm, and knack for storytelling have made him a standout on the series, but there’s much more to Tickle than his on-screen antics. From his humble beginnings to his brushes with fame and infamy, here’s the untold truth of Steven Ray Tickle, a man whose journey is as bold as the moonshine he crafts.

Tickle’s rise to fame began in 2013 when he joined Moonshiners in its third season, partnering with Tim Smith, the show’s “most wanted moonshiner.” The series, produced by Magilla Entertainment, dramatizes the lives of those crafting illicit liquor in Virginia, North Carolina, and beyond, though Virginia’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has stated no illegal activity occurs during filming. Tickle’s charisma and expertise quickly won over viewers, leading to a 2013 spin-off, Tickle, where he attempted to sell a stash of moonshine while running a fishing store in Gretna, Virginia. The show lasted only 11 episodes, but Tickle’s presence endured in Moonshiners spin-offs like Moonshiners: Whiskey Business (2019) and Moonshiners: Master Distiller (2020), where he showcased his distilling prowess. His catchphrase, “Tickle Time!” and love for unique moonshine flavors, as noted by Facts.net, cemented his status as a beloved figure.

Before the spotlight, Tickle was a skilled carpenter, a trade he honed after graduating from Tunstall High School in Dry Fork, Virginia. His craftsmanship shone in Washington, D.C., where he spent two years building Clyde’s Restaurant near the Verizon Center, earning a reputation as a top union carpenter, per the Washington Examiner. This blue-collar background gave Tickle a grounded authenticity, contrasting with his moonshining persona. He learned the art of distilling at a young age from relatives in Danville, Virginia, experimenting with a ten-gallon still using a turkey fryer and a shotgun condenser, as detailed by Sugarlands Distilling Company. His passion for moonshining, which he claims “gets in your blood,” led him to partner with Sugarlands Distilling Company in 2014 to produce legal moonshine flavors, blending tradition with innovation.

Tickle’s ambitions extended beyond moonshine and carpentry. In 2012, he boldly declared his intent to run for president as an independent, followed by a 2013 announcement to challenge U.S. Representative Robert Hurt in Virginia’s 5th congressional district. Calling the Affordable Care Act “crap” in a Washington Secrets interview, Tickle aimed to leverage his TV fame for political change, believing his notoriety would resonate with voters. However, his congressional bid fizzled, partly due to his legal troubles and Republican concerns that he’d split conservative votes, as reported by the Washington Examiner. His political dreams, though short-lived, revealed a desire to advocate for the “common man,” rooted in his working-class identity.

Legal issues have shadowed Tickle’s career. In 2013, he was arrested for public intoxication after being spotted drinking from an open container in a Danville, Virginia, parking lot, per the Daily Mail. In 2015, a traffic stop for a faulty headlight revealed a sawed-off shotgun in his truck, leading to a felony conviction on February 1, 2016. Tickle claimed the gun, a gift from a friend, was for snakes, but the court sentenced him to a three-year suspended sentence on March 24, 2016, according to Chatham Star Tribune. His troubles escalated when he violated probation by using cocaine, resulting in a five-month jail term in September 2016. A 2017 car accident while driving on a suspended license further complicated his probation, though rumors of his death from the crash were debunked, as clarified by Eceleb-Gossip. These incidents painted Tickle as a flawed yet resilient figure, navigating personal struggles under public scrutiny.

Financially, Tickle’s success is notable. His Moonshiners debut reportedly earned him over $1 million, with an annual salary of $175,000, per Affair Post. Combined with his carpentry work and legal distilling ventures, his net worth is estimated at over $500,000 as of 2025, though some sources like Eceleb-Gossip peg it closer to $1.5 million. Despite his wealth, Tickle’s personal life remains enigmatic. Born to Louise Eileen Tickle and the late Larry Craig Tickle, who battled paralysis, Tickle grew up in a family of four siblings in rural Pittsylvania County, Virginia. His father’s illness drove him to substance abuse as a young man, but he overcame these challenges, crediting his daughter Daisy Tickle, now 22, for motivating him to quit drinking, per Chatham Star Tribune. Daisy, whose mother remains unidentified, praises Tickle as an “amazing father,” though he keeps her out of the spotlight.

Tickle’s romantic life has been equally private. After fleeting relationships with women named Jaci and Jenny Jen, he married Carol Ann Meredith, a bail bondswoman, on October 19, 2019, in a moonshine-themed wedding attended by Moonshiners co-stars like Tim Smith, per Discovery. Tickle humorously claimed Carol pursued him for six years, and their joyful updates in a 2022 Discovery Q&A reveal a strong bond. The irony of a former outlaw marrying a bail bondswoman hasn’t been lost on fans, who admire his ability to find love amid chaos.

Beyond moonshining, Tickle is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and car repairs, as noted by Facts.net. His wide-brimmed hat and storytelling flair have become iconic, adding depth to his on-screen persona. Despite legal setbacks, Tickle remains committed to preserving moonshining’s heritage, blending old-school techniques with modern flavors. His resilience, humor, and dedication to his craft and daughter make him a complex figure, far more than the “partner in crime” to Tim Smith. As fans await his next chapter on Moonshiners Season 14, streaming on Discovery Plus, Tickle’s story continues to captivate, proving that even in the murky world of moonshine, authenticity shines through.