Donald J. Rucker

Donald J. Rucker, 76, of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at
his residence surrounded by his family.
Don was born in Detroit, Michigan to the late Elmo and Florence Rucker. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a B.A. in English Literature. He then received a National Defense scholarship to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville for graduate school. He then worked for Oak Ridge National Laboratories for a couple of years. In 1971, Don moved to Chattanooga and began a 23 year career as a technical writer for TVA. He published a magazine, IMPACT, for TVA’s Natural Resources Division which won several awards. He helped to increase the bald eagle population in the Tennessee Valley working alongside wildlife biologists at TVA. Don was an avid fisherman, and a member of the Chattanooga Spoonpluggers. He had a rich, deep voice and sang bass in the Bach Choir as well as in a traveling group from his church. He was a faithful member of Clear Creek Church of Christ for over 30 years.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Sue A. Rucker, his sons, Todd D. Rucker, Brett (Nola) Rucker; his daughter , Kimberly S. Rucker; his grandchildren; Kim Kwi, Haley, Daniel, Maddie, Caleb and John; his brothers, Robert Rucker, James Rucker; his sister, Dorothy Anderson.
A memorial service will be at 1:00pm on Saturday, August 13th in the main auditorium of Clear Creek Church of Christ with Joey Davis officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to ARC of Tennessee, 151 Athens Way #100 Nashville, Tn 37228.
You are encouraged to share a memory of Donald and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial web page and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.
Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Rucker family with his arrangements.