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Rucker Tibbs Obituary

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 was conducted 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bedford Bulletin from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Rucker Tibbs

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Kenneth Talbott

October 31, 2015

Rarely has the world seen so generous a person and friend to as many. God most certainly has a special place for Rucker Tibbs. I pray that I might have the privilege of flying with him again someday. My sincerest condolences to his family. Rucker will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

Kenneth Latchum

October 31, 2015

To Lucille ,family and to his many friends! Rucker was one of a kind individual! He was a friend to all who needed a friend. Rucker made it possible for all who wanted to fly, or own an airplane who really couldn't afford it, do so! Money to Rucker wasn't important but only have enough to keep his shop going so he could help and train so many aviation enthusiasts as possible. I can personally attest to that fact. I am sorry to just now learning of Rucker's passing here in Raleigh NC. & I am saddened deeply I did not know of his passing, so I could be at his furneral! Rucker taught me a lot about fixing my airplanes over the last 40 years and only because of him could I afford to own one! Rucker ! May your soul rest in peace in heaven! You will be missed! Your friends "Ken Latchum & Woody Reeves

Don Booth

October 29, 2015

Rucker, we will miss you. Rest in peace in aviation heaven.

C THOMAS

October 28, 2015

WITH DEEP SYMPATHY,NO MATTER HOW LONG A PERSON LIVES ITS STILL HARD TO SAY GOOD-BY.PSALMS 90:10

Squire and Rucker at Rainelle 2004

Herbert Shuck

October 22, 2015

I met Rucker at Rainelle airport when he came up to visit with Squire and do some camping. He did my annuals for years. Always made me feel at home when I came down. Wish I had half of his knowledge. Will miss him so much. I never met his family, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rob Camden

October 20, 2015

Many fond memories of a good man. Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Ava Sammons

October 17, 2015

Aunt lucille & family,

Uncle Rucker was a hard working & wonderful man. He truly loved his family & will be greatly missed. Thoughts & prayers are with you all.

Michael Moss

October 16, 2015

Rip uncle Rucker you will be very missed, sparkplug

John & Carrie Nolan

October 16, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It's a sad time and Rucker will be greatly missed. What an honor it was to know him.

Thomas Wyant

October 16, 2015

I will miss my friend, Rucker. My condolences to all the Family.

Linda Pribble Womack

October 16, 2015

RIP Mr Tibbs I have known u for many years u were a friend of my father / grandfather. Have been going to the track since I was 3 . Bless u and your family .

October 16, 2015

From your friend Michelle Crawford at Aircraft Spruce, I will miss you terribly!!! For 21 years, I had the pleasure of talking to you and laughing with you. I even had the opportunity to meet you some years ago.
You will forever be in my heart!! To Rucker's family, "May God Bless & Keep You!!

Terry Blatchley

October 15, 2015

Rucker was a true hero and I will never forget soloing the J-4 with him at New London Airport.

Terry Coffey Blatchley

Jimmy Price

October 15, 2015

Words cannot express the loss that we feel right now. Rucker was a true friend and a great mentor. Lucille, you and your family, are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jimmy and Kathy Price

Joanna Kulp

October 15, 2015

We get spoiled when our friends and loved ones stay with us for such a long time. We think they will go on forever. When their time comes we are still heart broken, still wishing for more time. We are consoled, however, by the fact that we will be together again on that wonderful day when we won't have to say goodbye ever again. I knew Rucker through my Pop, Charlie Kulp, and felt truly honored to have known him. His little airport with familiar sounds, sights and smells reminded me of the small airports I grew up on and always made me feel at home when I stopped by. My sympathy for this great loss goes out to his family. I'm so glad I stopped by to record Rucker's birthday greeting to my Pop on my way up to Manassas. I was able to give old Rucker one last kiss and hug. Miss you darlin'.

David Keifer

October 15, 2015

Rest in peace buddy!

Jennifer Blount

October 15, 2015

Rucker was an amazing man and an inspiration to many pilots over the years. HIs wit and no-nonsense approach made him a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed.

Bud & Judy Kennedy

October 15, 2015

Rest in Peace, Rucker, you will be remembered fondly and missed greatly as a mentor and friend. Our prayers go out to all the Tibbs family.

Karen & Warren Theis

October 15, 2015

Rucker, you have had a long, fruitful and very interesting life. My heartfelt condolences go out to Lucille and all your family.

Chris Moss

October 15, 2015

Lucille,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family after your great loss. I know you must be very proud of Rucker and all he did for his family and his country. I never heard anything but wonderful things about him. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

God bless you,
Chris Moss

Tanya Smeltz

October 15, 2015

RIP Rucker you will be greatly missed by so many. He touched the lives of so many people. He was truly one of a kind! Praying that God will comfort your family during this great loss.

Susan Tanner

October 15, 2015

I am so sorry for your lost. I thank of you'll often.

Tony Robertson

October 15, 2015

R.A. and Family,

I pray that God will comfort you and your family during this time of great loss. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. You all will be in my prayers.

Harry & Fran. Stevens

October 15, 2015

May God comfort the Rucker Tibbs family and friends A true legend of his time and A friend to so many and he will be sorely missed. RIP. dear friend and thanks for the memories, Harry & Fran. Stevens.

Rick Gendreau

October 15, 2015

Thank you, Rucker, for enabling me to become a pilot. You will be missed.

Bobby Moss

October 14, 2015

Aunt Lucille, R.A., Janet, Jean & Family,

My thought and prayers are with the family at this sad time. Remember the good memories you had with him as you celebrate a life well lived. Uncle Rucker was a very good man and would do anything for anybody with nothing expected in return. I will always cherish the fond memories of him flying and taking me up hundreds of times when I came to visit through the years. Every time I look up in the sky and see a airplane I will wonder if that's Uncle Rucker. May God bless you all. Love you.

the Roginski s

October 14, 2015

So sorry to hear of your loss. Hold forever your love and memories. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

October 14, 2015

My brother Clyde Smith thought so much of Rucker. I have met him but did not know him like Clyde did. He was a blessing to Clyde I know. May the God of all comfort be with you all. May the knowledge of the blessing he was to so many help you in the days ahead.
Judy Smith Bishop

R & L Judd

October 14, 2015

Sadly missed - a legend in his own time.

October 14, 2015

He was a friend to all who met him. He was always ready to help with a problem associated with an airplane and to answer questions no matter how stupid they must have seemed to him. New London Airport will never be the same and we will all miss him. Thank you Rucker.

Mel Anderson

larry spath

October 14, 2015

Rucker was the most amazing man I have ever known.... I am honored to have called him my friend... and he was a very good friend to me over the years...I will miss him dearly...Gentle Tailwinds forever Rucker and to your family as well

Sam Bryant

October 14, 2015

Thanks for all you gave so many Rucker and family. Had a blast learning from you and a bunch of fun along the way.

John Dudley Barksdale

October 14, 2015

Rucker was a incredible man who has left an wonderful legacy for many. His contribution to aviation in Virginia has been positive His greatest gift was his friendship. He did so much for so many. He loved his family, local community.

Rucker was truly a "Unsung Hero" def...Role models whose remarkable acts of courage, compassion, selflessness, perseverance and, quite possibility sacrifice make a profound and positive difference on the course of history.

Ceiling and Visibility, Unlimited Rucker!
John Dudley Barksdale

October 14, 2015

Rucker Tibbs will be missed grately.

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