Mr. Benjamin Smith Rucker, Jr. passed away quietly on May 18, 2017 at the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta, Georgia after an extended illness.
Funeral services will be graveside at Westover Memorial Park in Augusta on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. The Rev. Matthew B. Titus of the Lutheran Church of The Redeemer in Newberry, South Carolina will officiate.
Benjamin Smith Rucker, Jr. was born August 28, 1925 in Augusta, Georgia to Benjamin Smith Rucker, Sr. and Lillian Scattergood Rucker. He attended grammar school in Augusta, graduated high school at North Augusta High School in South Carolina, and attended the Junior College of Augusta. In 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy and saw service on PBY Catalina Seaplanes during World War II. After his discharge in 1946 he entered the real estate business in Augusta and shortly thereafter formed The Rucker Company, Inc. under which name he did land developing, built homes, sold real estate as well as service mortgage loans and homeowners insurance. Mr. Rucker was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church Augusta. For recreation he enjoyed wing hunting, fishing and attending Georgia football games.
Mr. Rucker was preceded in death by his loving wife, the late Doris Jeanette Rogers Rucker, a son, Benjamin Smith Rucker III, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Smith Rucker, Sr., and his only sibling, Eleanor Rucker Vaiden. He is survived by his daughter, Virginia Clarke Rucker Herndon (Chris) of Centennial, Colorado, his son William Baillie Rucker (Sue) of Fleming Island, Florida, and his daughter-in-law Pamela Thomas Rucker of Bunnlevel, NC. He is also survived by his numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Mr. Rucker was a loving father and grandfather whose wisdom and sound advice was often sought by family and friends.
In lieu of flowers one may make a contribution to a charity of their choice.