Marcus Cecil Rucker

Marcus Cecil Rucker, one of the last great men, a noble gentlemen and truly salt of the earth, passed away peacefully at his home in Lubbock, Texas, on December 31, 2025, surrounded by love. He was 87 years old.

Cecil was born on February 15, 1938, in Anton, Texas, to Marcus and Esther Rucker. From an early age, he embodied hard work, humility, and quiet strength—values that would define his life. Tending to the family crops and grocery/hardware store, He attended Shallowater High School, where he played basketball, and later continued both his education and his love of the game at the Shriner Institute.

A man gifted with both skill and heart, Cecil could fix anything—literally anything. He repaired everything, built rooms, rebuilt parts, and created beauty with his hands, whether restoring model cars and airplanes or bringing a Christmas cactus back to life.

Cecil was deeply devoted to his wife, Diane, the love of his life. Their bond was evident to all who knew them, a love rooted in faith, respect, and genuine affection. He was a proud father to his three daughters, Jill, Stacy, and April, and a cherished father-in-law to Dee Hairgrove, husband of Jill. A loving little brother to his sister Yvonne. He was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren -Andrew, Emily, Megan and Travis-and four great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him great joy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul Gene and James Clyde, and a son in law Phillip Sorrells.

He was a man of faith, guided by humility rather than noise, kindness rather than recognition. The hardest-working, kindest, and most humble person many will ever meet, Cecil lived his beliefs quietly but fully.

He found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures: beautiful music like Ave Maria, two stepping with Diane and singing Neil Diamond, Black Eyed Peas and cornbread on New Year’s Day, and a pot of his legendary chili. He had a one-of-a-kind laugh—unmistakable and unforgettable. He loved Christmas lights, Texas Tech football, really any football, German chocolate cake and traveling to places that stirred his soul, especially the mountains, Wyoming, Ireland and Port Aransas.

Cecil leaves behind a legacy of integrity, love, and steady presence. His hands built, repaired, and provided—but it was his heart that truly shaped those around him. He was a man who showed up, who worked hard, who loved deeply, and who lived faithfully.

He was deeply loved, and he will be profoundly missed.

A celebration of life will be held May 2 at the Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kingdom Come Ministries.

Mail to : kingdom come ministries P.O. Box 94555 Lubbock,Texas 79493