Walter Taylor Rucker Jr.

Walter Taylor Rucker Jr. IRMO - Walter Taylor Rucker Jr., 80, of Irmo, died peacefully in his home Tuesday, February 9, 2016. The son of the late Taylor and Maggie Rucker, Walt was a man who loved people and adventure. He fished, hunted and traveled all over this great country making lifelong friends wherever he went. He graduated from Eau Claire High School. After serving two years in the Navy, he attended USC and Auburn University. Walt owned and operated Santee Bait Farm in Summerton, SC, for over 40 years before retiring to his beloved Lake Murray. He will be incredibly missed by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 37 years, Cecil Rucker; his children: a son Tay Rucker (Lori) and five daughters: Linn Dowell, Karlene Grange (Rich), Beth Nelson (Perry), Cathy Frye and Melanie DeVega (Mike); his 13 grandchildren: Dawn, Mary Caitlin, Caroline, Ethan, Jeff, Logan, William, Dylan, Lou, Maggie, Tori, Trevor and Blake; his devoted sister Peggy Dewey and many nephews and nieces that he "loved to pieces." Walt was predeceased by his colorful sister, Dorothy Winters. The family would like to thank his wonderful physician, Dr. Leslie Stuck, and her sweet nurse Joy, for many years of loving care and friendship. Also, many thanks to the incredible team at Palmetto Health Hospice: Janie, Erin, Charles, and with special thanks to his "sweetheart" nurse, Kim. Memorials can be sent to Palmetto Health Hospice or the Children's Education Building Fund at Lake Murray Presbyterian church. Walt donated his body to the USC School of Medicine. A celebration of his life will be held this Summer. Wally T. agreed wholeheartedly with Hunter S. Thompson's philosophy: "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!" Rest easy dear Walt... you were the best people gatherin', story tellin', harmonica playin', Scotch drinkin', America pridin', always fishin', boat drivin', ever laughin', and always lovin' man. "Like a hair in a biscuit", you held on as long as you could. Thank you for teaching us how to "Be Particular..."