FISK, Mo. -- Billy Joe Rucker Sr., age 80, of Poplar Bluff, died Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 at his residence, in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Rucker was born, Sept. 18, 1937 in Egypt, Ark., the son of the late Tommie Cecil and Lela Dora (Sims)Rucker. He was a farmer and also was a cook at Wyatt's Cafeteria in Jonesboro for over 20 years. He enjoyed being outdoors spending time hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.
Aug. 18, 1990, he married Barbara Rosener. She survives. Also surviving are two sons: Billy Joe (Chris) Rucker, Jr., and Tommy Joe (Holly) Rucker Sr.; five step-children: Mary Beth King, Wayne Leroy Schmidt, Gary Louis Schmidt, Robert Lee (Carol) Schmidt, Steven Len (Jamie) Schmidt; seven grandchildren: Tommy Rucker Jr., Kyle Rucker, MaKayla Rucker, Jennifer Rucker, Brandon (Marie) Rucker, Cheyenne (Patrick) Giliam, and Zachery Rucker; 13 step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren; and a brother, George (Shirley) Rucker.
He was also preceded in death by one son, David Rucker; four brothers: James, William Earnest, Larry and Albert Rucker; and four sisters: Mary Maxine Rucker, Joyce Cooper, Glida Wilford and Lena Gywill.
Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 at White-Sanders Funeral Home in Fisk. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m., Saturday in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at a later date.
Online condolences: www.whitesandersfuneralhome.com
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