Jonathan J. Rucker, Sr. died on June 27, 2018 in the company of his loving family. Born on September 1, 1945 in Greensboro, NC to JC Rucker and Mamie Rucker, he is a graduate of James B. Dudley High School (1966). In 1968 he married the love of his life, Mary Collins and they raised three children, Jonathan, Jr, Anthony and Tammy together. He was employed until retirement in 1991 at Lorillard Tobacco Company. Joe was a member at United Institutional Baptist Church, his childhood church, where he often participated with Ward 189 and volunteered with the Philathea Ministry. Joe particularly loved Sunday School and the teachings he learned each week, believing they helped his spiritual growth for both his body and soul. His favorite verse, Psalm 23, resonated with him: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Joe was an avid bowler, often participating in tournaments with his Lorillard (RJ Reynolds) colleagues, and he loved to shoot pool with his friends. He was a jokester and was known for his quick wit and his sense of humor. His love for Krispy Kreme donuts, candy, and soda lasted until his death, asking for each just days before his passing. He was deeply loved not just by his family, but throughout the community, and his love for them was just as strong. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary, their children, Jonathan Rucker, Jr. (Marsha) of Durham, NC, Anthony Rucker of Greensboro, NC, and Tammy Rucker-Wiley of North Chesterfield, VA, his grandsons, Garrison Rucker and Jeron Clemendor (Bermuda), his brother, Polk Rucker of Greensboro NC, his sister, Sheri Puphal (John) of Silver Spring, MD, sister in laws Clementine Braggs (Karl) of Grand Prairie, TX, Barbara Harris Wyatt (Milas) of Salisbury, NC, Gloria Bost (Michael) of Salisbury, NC, Brenda Blackwell of Salisbury, NC, Gladys Starks of Greensboro, NC, Betty Armstrong (Bobby) of Hampton, VA, Kathy Kerns (Ricardo) of Anchorage, AK, brother in laws Michael Sherrod of Greensboro, N.C, Terry Sherrod of Newport News, VA, and James Sherrod of Greensboro, NC. He also leaves a behind a special nephew Eric Puphal and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, JC and Mamie, and his brother, Julius.

Joe's body will lie in repose at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home, 909 E Market Street, beginning on Sunday afternoon, July 1st. Friends are asked to stop by on Sunday afternoon or Monday to sign the guest book. A public graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on July 3rd at Lakeview Memorial Park, 3600 N. Ohenry Boulevard. The family will receive visitors immediately following at United Institutional Baptist Church, 802 E Market Street. "Weep not for me for my soul is at peace. No more pain. No more sorrow. I'm alright now. I'm in God's hands."