Marvin Pierce Rucker

1949 - 2021

RUCKER, Marvin Pierce, 71, passed away peacefully at home on February 13, 2021, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Pierce was born on June 13, 1949, in Richmond, to Douglas P. Rucker, M.D. and Margaret Williams Rucker. He was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Courtney Rucker. Pierce is survived by his wife of 40 years and best friend, Leslie Gruver Rucker; her sisters, Rebecca Gruver Rainey (David) of Holly Springs, N.C. and Susan Gruver Macan (Robert) of Catlett, Va.; and Pierce's brother, Douglas P. Rucker Jr. (Marian) of Richmond; niece, Meredith Rucker Hunter; and great-nephew, Miles Ambrose Hunter, both of Washington, D.C.

Pierce was educated at St. Christopher's School (class of 1967) and the University of Virginia (class of 1971), where he was President of Beta Theta Pi and initiated his love of the University and its athletics. He was an especially avid follower of Wahoo football and basketball, enjoying years of home games, bowl games and tournaments, as well as lots of camaraderie with close friends.

He attended Washington & Lee Law School (class of 1975) and then went on to begin his legal career as law clerk for U.S. District Judge Richard B. Kellam in Norfolk. After his clerkship with Judge Kellam, Pierce began his 41 year career as a trial lawyer in Richmond with Sands Anderson, P.C. Pierce was a leader in all of his endeavors, and at Sands Anderson served as Chair of the firm's highly successful Healthcare Group, as a member of its board of directors and as its President.

He was a member of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys (the "VADA"). He held a number of positions with the VADA, culminating in his term as its President, and was honored with the VADA's Award for Excellence in Civil Litigation. He also was a fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation.

He enjoyed membership in the Commonwealth Club and the Society of Colonial Wars.

Pierce was a committed Christian and a longtime member of St. James's Episcopal Church. There he served on the Church's Vestry (including as Junior Warden) and as Delegate to the Convention of the Diocese of Virginia. Always concerned about those less fortunate than he, Pierce served St. James's Children's Center and as a volunteer for CARITAS, among other efforts.

After his retirement from the practice of law, and in addition to his contributions to his Church, Pierce served on the boards of Westminster Canterbury and Needle's Eye Ministries.

Pierce was a born (and tough-minded) lawyer, a loyal and devoted husband, brother, colleague and friend and a kind and generous supporter of, and advocate for, those in his community in need.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, his funeral will be private and limited to his family. The family suggests that those who wish to honor Pierce consider memorial contributions in his memory to the charity of their choice.