John W. Rucker

John W. Rucker, age 100, died September 6th. Born in Nashville TN on July 2, 1913, to the late John E. and Mabel Willson Rucker. Preceded in death by wife Ruth Rucker, sister Enola Rucker Speer, and foster daughters Letha Shiano and Mary Ruth Gamon. Married Ruth Cunningham on September 29, 1934. This union was blessed with six children, 3 foster children, 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Ruth Rucker, John’s loving companion for 72 years, died January 16, 2007. Survived by sons: John (Mae) Rucker Jr., Ed (Joyce) Rucker, Tom (Regina) Rucker, Dan (Amy) Rucker; daughters: Mary Carol (Wayne) Estes, Evelyn (Ron) McFarland; foster son Anthony Shiano. After earning an Associates Degree from David Lipscomb College in 1933, he began a 45 year career working for Neuhoff Packing Company, where he worked as Industrial Relations manager for 20 years. He retired in 1978.

Mr. Rucker was a life-long member of the Otter Creek Church of Christ, serving for fifteen years as a deacon and 35 years as an elder. He helped his wife, Ruth, begin and build the Otter Creek Kindergarten and Preschool. He worked tirelessly for the church missions program in Korea, helping to start Korean Christian College. Mr. Rucker led his personal family and his church family in serving God and submitting to His will with dedication. Funeral services will be held at Otter Creek Church of Christ on September 9th at 10:00 a.m. with Tim Woodruff officiating. Internment immediately following at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be on September 8th at Otter Creek Church of Christ from 4pm. until 8pm. Active pallbearers will be grandsons; honorary pallbearers will be past and present elders of the Otter Creek Church of Christ.