Rucker A. Tibbs, Sr.

Rucker Alexander Tibbs, Sr., 92, of Lynchburg passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at the Hospice House in Lynchburg. He was the husband of Lucille Simpkins Tibbs. Born September 19, 1923, he was the son of the late Willard Russell Tibbs and the late Nena Rucker Tibbs.

Rucker was a self-employed, certified flight instructor and a commercial licensed air pilot. He was a proud Army veteran serving our country during World War II. Rucker was the founder of New London Airport, where he was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol and a member of the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame as well as a charter member of the New London Ruritan Club. He was also an aircraft mechanic and a tank mechanic in the U.S. Army. Rucker was also presented an award from the Virginia House of Delegates for his service to our country and community.

In addition to his parents, Rucker was preceded in death by one daughter, Betty Jo Tibbs.

In addition to his wife, Rucker is survived by three children, Rucker “R.A.” Tibbs, Jr. and his wife Brenda, Janet Tibbs and Jean Ferguson and her friend Larry Witt, all of Forest; one brother, Jessie Tibbs and his wife Shirley of Forest; sister-in-law, Sarah Moss of Raleigh, NC; three grandchildren, Chris Tibbs, Sunny Thornton and Charlie Ferguson, III; six great grandchildren, Story Smith, Grayson Tibbs, Sully Tibbs, Wyatt Thornton, Charlie Ferguson, IV and Chase Thornton; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be conducted 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 16, 2015, at Fort Hill Memorial Park with the Rev. Steve Parker and the Rev. Ralph Jackson officiating.

At the family’s request, there will be no visitation hours at the funeral home yet family and friends are welcome for visitation at the residence at Otter Hill Farm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice or the Bedford County Rescue Squad.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.

Whitten Timberlake Chapel, 7404 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502, (434) 239-0331, is serving the family.