Howard Rucker

Howard Rucker, beloved son, husband, father, mentor, and friend, passed away on Sunday, January 16, surrounded by his loving children.  He was 79 years old.

Howard was born at Grady Hospital in March 1942 during a snowstorm. He spent his childhood in the Crabapple community working beside his parents - Harry Jr. and Sybil, -along with his siblings, on their family farm. Some of his earliest and best memories were picking cotton, riding horses, and playing baseball. He graduated from Milton High School, attended Gordon Military School and West Georgia College. 

In his early twenties Howard was admitted to Piedmont Hospital for a migraine headache. While there he met the love of his life Linda Parris.  Linda was a student nurse assigned to his care. They quickly became engaged and married a short time later.  His two children, Chuck and Laurie, who survive him, grew up knowing their parents were soul mates.  It was a magical relationship that has served as an inspiration for many people who witnessed Howard and Linda’s great devotion.

Howard moved his family to the Cumming -Midway community in the early 1980’s. There, he raised cattle, became an active member of Longstreet Baptist Church and eventually retired from Southern Bell. He served on various committees such as the BBU and the Cattlemen’s Association.  He was highly respected by his peers and known as a man of his word.  Friends remember Howard as a Christian and someone who was always bringing people together.  He had a gift for making his friends feel valued and respected

In addition to his children Chuck (Carrie) and Laurie (Mark), Howard is mourned by four grandchildren – Addie and Payte Rucker and Dylan and Jonathan Pugh. He has always taken immense pride in his grandchildren’s accomplishments and enthusiastically provided support and guidance to them. Howard’s three siblings and their families also mourn his loss. 

Howard’s great love, Linda, was called home by the Lord in 2012. His family takes great comfort and solace knowing they have been reunited.

Howard enjoyed a great relationship with JoAnn’s Flowers and Gifts in Cumming. They have been selected as the preferred floral provider by the family.

For those who would like to help other families receive the thoughtful care Howard received from Agape Hospice and to assist those less fortunate, the family would encourage donations to: Agape Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 80187, Acworth, GA 30101

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 19th, between the hours of 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, and again on Thursday from 9:30 AM until the hour of service. Interment will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery.

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia in charge of arrangements.