Lee T. "Tommy" Rucker Sr

Mr. Lee Thompson Rucker, Sr., 98, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, formerly of Youngstown, Ohio, peacefully entered eternal rest on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at TriStar Summit Medical Center in Nashville.

Mr. Rucker, affectionately known as "Tommy", was born on November 28, 1927, in Elberton, Georgia, a son of Robert and Alice Thompson Rucker. Lee was one of ten children. At the age of 13, he moved from Georgia to Youngstown, Ohio embracing hard work early and carrying a deep love for his family that guided every step of his life. That sense of responsibility, strength, and quiet perseverance shaped the man he would become and remained evident throughout his long life.

While living in Youngstown, Lee met the love of his life, Marion Gidney, and together they built a beautiful marriage rooted in faith, devotion, and generosity. Their union lasted until Marion's passing and continues to live on through the generations they raised.

A dedicated worker and respected presence in his community, Lee retired from the City of Youngstown Sanitation Department after more than 25 years of service, beginning as a truck driver and later becoming a supervisor. He also worked for over 20 years at the Youngstown Country Club, where he was known for his warm spirit, kindness, and steady professionalism.

Lee's faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He was a devoted member of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Struthers, worshiping faithfully under the leadership of his son, the late Pastor Lee T. Rucker, Jr. Before joining Pilgrim, he served for many years at Centenary United Methodist Church of Youngstown, where he was a dedicated usher who greeted others with kindness. He was also a proud member of the Masons, Covenant Lodge 59, dedicating many years to the fraternity and the values it represents.

A man rich in both skills and heart, Lee loved gardening, cooking, was well known for his famous pound and carrot cake (a staple at gatherings and a sweet symbol of his care for others), and the neighborhood handyman. A true sports enthusiast, he spent many Sunday afternoons watching games, during his last days he enjoyed playing pool, coloring and painting pictures, and sewing.

Lee will be remembered as a family hero, a man who carried life's challenges with grace, loved without hesitation, and remained sharp, witty, and full of spirit well into his later years. His legacy is etched in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many others who were blessed by his presence.

He leaves to honor his memory his daughter Sharon (Winfred) Bourn of Lebanon, Tennessee; his brother, Ulyses Rucker of Youngstown; grandchildren Jamie (Jenna) Rucker, Harold (Joi) Rucker Jr., Deanna (William) Dobbins, Alton (Tamara) Johnson, III, Gregory (Jasmyn) Bourn, and Travis Bourn; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren across the country; .daughters-in-law, Dorothy "Dee" Rucker of Girard, Ohio and Evonne Rucker of Charlotte, North Carolina; brother-in-law, Willard (Michelle) Gidney of Youngstown; along with a loving host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, neighbors, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marion, whom he married June 6, 1952 and who passed away April 4, 2016; his sons, Harold Rucker Sr. and Lee T. Rucker Jr.; his parents; and siblings, Eberhart, James, Lish "LH", David Vernon, Julian, Bobbie Downer, Willie Sue Banks, and Alethia Gaither.

The family is forever thankful for the loving care provided by Pat and Jim Greene, Pastor Mark and First Lady Sandra Parks and the Pilgrim Baptist Church family; Judy Gidney, the rehabilitation facility-Windsor House at Liberty; Rutland Place Senior Facility and its therapy staff, who cared for him with genuine affection; the residents of Park Vista, who always looked out for him; TriStar Summit Medical Center; and the compassionate nurses of Gentiva Hospice Care.

Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Pilgrim Baptist Church, 67 McClure St., Struthers, OH 44471. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Ministry of comfort, love and dignity have been entrusted to L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

To honor the deep love and legacy he leaves behind, we share this Scripture: "Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers." - Proverbs 17:6 (KJV)