John Isaac Rucker Jr.

John Isaac Rucker, Jr., 68, of The Villages, Florida died on September 4, 2007. John was born May 29, 1939 In Sumter, South Carolina the son of John Isaac and Christine Gray Rucker. Canton MS became home at an early age and he graduated from Canton High School. A sister Jacqueline Rucker Blevins preceded him in death.
John was a Certified Economic Developer and he was a member of North Lake Presbyterian Church. He loved the fellowship of his Men's Breakfast group and his close relationship with his Christ Care small group. He was on staff at Mallory Hills Country Club and even in poor health was a positive influence on his family and friends. An avid reader, he loved to entertain his grandchildren with historical facts and trivia.
John attended Davidson College in Davidson, NC and graduated from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. He served his country honorably as an infantry officer in the United States Army in the US and Germany. His Professional career encompassed industrial, economic and community, airport, architectural and engineering and golf course development. He was elected to the presidencies and honorary life membership of the Southern and Mississippi Economic Development Councils and was the first Honorary Lifetime Member of The Old Waverly Golf Club.
John can most remember for his love of family, God and country. His earnest desire and enthusiasm to assist in the positive growth and development of his home state of Mississippi never diminished.
John is survived by his wife, Kathryn McGrath Rucker; his children, John Isaac Rucker, III and wife, Alma of Katy, TX, Robert McGrath Rucker and his wife, Marcia of Edmond, OK. Mary Christine Rucker Wissner and husband, Kurt of Dublin, OH and Jennifer Rucker Norris of Katy, TX; thirteen grandchildren, Maria, John Joseph, Sara, Samuel ,and Luke Rucker, Bailey and Brayden Rucker, Ashleigh Rose and Sara Christine Wissner, and Rucker, Kathryn, McGrath and Isaac Norris; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Lake Sumter, 601 Casa Bella,The Villages, FL 32162.
Services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, September 6, 2007 at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd., The Villages, FL 32159 with visitation from 10 AM till service time. Out of state services will be held on 3:30 PM on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church of Canton, MS . Family will receive friends from 2PM until service time. Under the direction of Breeland Funeral Home, Canton, MS. Arrangements by Hiers-Baxle Funeral Services-The Villages, The Villages, Florida, (352) 753-8353. Funeral Director: Lelia F. McIntyre.