WILLIAM GAYLE “BILL” RUCKER

William “Bill” Rucker

William Gayle Rucker, 80, of Rushville died March 28, 2025, at his home.

He was born Jan. 6, 1945, in Hayes, Kan., a son of William and Florence Loree Mickelson Rucker. He married Betty Palmer on March 21, 1970, in Melrose Park. She survives.

Also surviving are four children, Kassandra Lynn Cline (and David) of Albion, Destini Marie McFall (and Wayne) of Statham, Ga., Donald Curtis Rucker (and Jordan) of Vienna, Va., and Chad Michael Rucker (and Melissa); one sister, Patricia Reed (and Jane Frost) of Cape Cod, Mass.; one brother, Charles Rucker (and Judy) of Calif.; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Francis Loree Rucker Pierce.

He attended several universities including Fort Hayes State, Ohio State Elmhurst, Free Port Jr. College, Northern Illinois and Northwestern Theological Seminary. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

He taught and coached for several years and was called to minister in 1971 serving several churches including Albion, Marion and Rushville. He served as the Director of Activities at Sharps Park in Melrose Park, mayor of Albion and several other positions throughout the years.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to www.worthingtonfh.com.

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 4/2/2025