In Memory Of
George Washington Rucker Jr.
1942
2024
George Washington Rucker Jr.
February 5, 1942 — July 28, 2024
George Washington Rucker Jr., 82, of Topeka, passed away on July 28, 2024, at his home.
He was born on February 5, 1942, the son of George Sr. and Jo Pearl (Adams) Rucker in Clarksville, Texas.
George was nick named "sad sack" because when he was in band, his uniform was too big.
The older ladies in the neighbor hood were very fond of him and got a "kick" out of him. Mrs. Zora would rescue him from being in the smoke house when he was in trouble with his momma and he would be over at her house sipping tea with which shown later on in his proper table manors. Throughout his life, he would still drink coffee with a pinky out.
When he was 19 years old, George enlisted to serve his country in the United States Navy. He served six tours all aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise (CVN-65) also known as the "Big E." He served aboard the first Nuclear Air Craft Carrier. He was on the ship when a warhead of an unguided Zuni rocket detonated aboard the Ship. The blast and fire claimed the lives of 27 of her sailors and injured over 200 as the carrier was engaged in training operations off the coast of Hawaii prior to heading to Vietnam.
He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Good Conduct Medal and a Navy Unity Commendation Ribbon. He was brave, hardworking, and a very proud American.
After he came home from Vietnam, George attended Penn State University.
George was united in marriage to Sandra Kimble on July 2, 2005 in Marksville, Louisiana. They spent 20 years together.
George was an avid fisherman, a hunter and was a natural outdoorsman. He loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoyed watching Tennis and WNBA. He had a knack for technology and even built his own computers. He loved to travel, driving and eating Gates BBQ. He was also a fabulous entertainer and a killer on a grill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kanawha, and an infant son named LaMont.
George is survived by his wife, Sandra Rucker, siblings, Marion Rucker, James (Sterling) Rucker, Patricia "Pat" Wright, Carol (Rodney) Wilson, Charles "Charlie" (Melanie) Rucker, children, Rondah (David) Williams, Richard Rucker, Regina Rucker, Rafonne Rucker, step son Larry McCrary, 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Memorials are suggested to the Sandra Rucker's Angels.
To share a memory of George or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born on February 5, 1942, the son of George Sr. and Jo Pearl (Adams) Rucker in Clarksville, Texas.
George was nick named "sad sack" because when he was in band, his uniform was too big.
The older ladies in the neighbor hood were very fond of him and got a "kick" out of him. Mrs. Zora would rescue him from being in the smoke house when he was in trouble with his momma and he would be over at her house sipping tea with which shown later on in his proper table manors. Throughout his life, he would still drink coffee with a pinky out.
When he was 19 years old, George enlisted to serve his country in the United States Navy. He served six tours all aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise (CVN-65) also known as the "Big E." He served aboard the first Nuclear Air Craft Carrier. He was on the ship when a warhead of an unguided Zuni rocket detonated aboard the Ship. The blast and fire claimed the lives of 27 of her sailors and injured over 200 as the carrier was engaged in training operations off the coast of Hawaii prior to heading to Vietnam.
He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Good Conduct Medal and a Navy Unity Commendation Ribbon. He was brave, hardworking, and a very proud American.
After he came home from Vietnam, George attended Penn State University.
George was united in marriage to Sandra Kimble on July 2, 2005 in Marksville, Louisiana. They spent 20 years together.
George was an avid fisherman, a hunter and was a natural outdoorsman. He loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoyed watching Tennis and WNBA. He had a knack for technology and even built his own computers. He loved to travel, driving and eating Gates BBQ. He was also a fabulous entertainer and a killer on a grill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kanawha, and an infant son named LaMont.
George is survived by his wife, Sandra Rucker, siblings, Marion Rucker, James (Sterling) Rucker, Patricia "Pat" Wright, Carol (Rodney) Wilson, Charles "Charlie" (Melanie) Rucker, children, Rondah (David) Williams, Richard Rucker, Regina Rucker, Rafonne Rucker, step son Larry McCrary, 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Memorials are suggested to the Sandra Rucker's Angels.
To share a memory of George or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George Washington Rucker Jr., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, August 23, 2024
1:00 - 3:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 1
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