William James Rucker, Sr.

William James Rucker, Sr., 88, of Beckley, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011 at his residence. Born July 1, 1923 in Ashland, KY, he was the son of the late John Garrett and Mildred Pratt Rucker. William was President and Chairman of the Board of Mt. Eagle, Proud Eagle and Northern Eagle Distributors. He was a member of the Beckley Presbyterian Church and a U.S. Army veteran of WW II. He was a Kentucky Colonel for 58 years and was looked upon as a Kentucky gentleman who wore a suit and tie everyday of his working life, lived by his word and did business with a handshake. He never believed in retirement and worked up until a year before he died. William had a love for thoroughbred horse racing and loved to attend the Kentucky Derby which he did for 60 consecutive years.
He is survived by his wife to whom he was married for 55 years, Patricia Ann Johnson Rucker, son, William James Rucker, Jr. and wife Martha of Beckley; daughters, Cynthia Rucker Parkes and husband Scott of Winchester, VA, Catherine Rucker Parkes and husband Bruce of Grand Rapids, MI and Carol Jo Rucker Butera of Dearborn, MI and 10 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 5, 2011 at the Beckley Presbyterian Church with Rev. Robin Debnam officiating. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Friday.
Pallbearers will be Bradley Parkes, William James (BJ) Rucker, III, Brian Rucker, Patrick Parkes and Chad Parkes.
On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802 or The Beckley Presbyterian Church, 203 S. Kanawha St. Beckley, WV 25801
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.