1936
Joseph
2024
Joseph Rucker, Jr.
April 9, 1936 — February 26, 2024
Joseph Rucker Jr., born on April 9, 1936, passed peacefully from this mortal life and entered eternal rest. He surrendered quietly
and peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus at the age of 87 years old on Monday, February 26, 2024.
He spent his last days at home with his loving and devoted wife and family members, which was the type of love and care he
experienced during his later years of required total care and support.
Although we will deeply miss his presence in this life, we confidently know that my dear husband is now rejoicing and completely healed
in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Thelma Rucker, his first wife, Lucy Rucker, daughter Serita Rucker, two brothers: Collie and Phillip Rucker, and four sisters: Gloria Granger, Shirley Weir, Joyce Newsome, and Lindell James.
My beloved husband faithfully attended church with his parents and accepted the Lord as his personal Savior at an early age. He would
recount his salvation experience and testimony to us. He spoke of the original wooden church building with the wood-burning stove, sitting on the mourning bench, and finally making the decision to receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He always testified that
God had been perfect to him.
At the age of 17, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army. He valued his service and was honorably discharged in 1957. After the military, Joe was employed by Lynchburg Foundry where he retired in 1996.
After retiring, Joe took up the sport of golfing which gave him great pleasure. He was an avid golfer winning many awards. This sport allowed him to travel to many states doing what he loved best.
My husband’s early life was filled with the joys and simplicity of a large family which laid a strong foundation for a man deeply
connected to his roots. The eldest son of 12 siblings, he was not just a brother by birth, but chosen by heart.
He cherished the times he spent with them during family gatherings. He always enjoyed his children’s visits and spoke
admiringly of his grandchildren. He was a loving and generous father.
Even in his final days, my husband’s faith did not waiver. His hope in Christ’s promise of eternal life was a comforting assurance.
He always looked forward to praying with his nephew whom he referred to by his endearing name of Boe. Joe approached his journey home to the Lord with dignity and a peaceful heart, secure in the knowledge that he was merely transitioning to a place where there
was no more pain; no more tears, only everlasting joy in the presence of our Lord.
Despite the profound sadness that has enveloped us since Joe’s passing, I can still feel the warmth of his spirit. It is in the love we have for each other, the stories we share, and the collective memory we hold.
He would not have wanted us to linger in the valley of grief. Instead, inspire us to live lives of faith and hold on to the blessed
hope of being reunited with him in the glorious presence of our Lord and Savior.
My husband’s life will always be celebrated by his family and friends. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Marjorie; two children
Robert Rucker (Carolyn) and Gloria Annette Rucker; two granddaughters: Tonya Griffin (Rodney) and Katrina Hoadley (Joel); three great-
grandchildren: Madison, Joel, and R.J. Joe was also lovingly known as “PaPa Joe” by Josiah Wimberly.
Also left to honor and cherish his memory are three sisters, Margaret Stanley (Jeremy), Phyllis Dumas, and Alease Rucker Reese,
one brother Dave C. Rucker, brother-in-law Stanley Wier of Barbados, sister-in-law Edna Younger of Madison Heights, VA,
a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and finally his best friend, Eugene “Hot Dog” Pennick.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Rucker, Jr., please visit our flower store.
Mr. Rucker's Memorial Folder
Service Schedule
Past Services
Funeral Service
Monday, March 4, 2024
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Chapel Grove Baptist Church
Guestbook
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