In 2012 he was united in marriage to Arizona Hardin Rucker, who is currently in the care of her daughter, Shelly in Arlington, Texas. Also surviving are his children, Lawrence R. Rucker, Iva Lewis, Michael (Billie) Rucker and Crystal H. (Richard) Baer all of Chillicothe, a brother, Barry Daniel Rucker of Piketon; a sister, Mildred Hastings also of Piketon; and grandchildren, Chasity, Relann, Garrett, Micah, Caitlyn, Jessica, Scott, Jason, Cindy and Sandy,eleven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and special friends; John Cannon and John Digges .
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by the mother of his children; Cheryl H Skaggs Rucker; second love Ruth Alexander Monk; brother, Garry W. (Martha) Rucker and grandchildren, Clayton Rucker and Sara Baer.
Jerry was a retired after 40 years from Millwright at Chilpaco in Chillicothe, Ohio and a Volunteer Fire Fighter for Huntington Township. He was an avid deer hunter. He raced car #56 for many years at Atomic Motor Speedway and was a member of Liberty Hill Church of Christ of Christian Union. Jerry enjoyed listening to Bluegrass music.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home with Pastor Bruce Hines officiating. Burial will follow in Huntington Township Cemetery, 1501 Liberty Hill Road, Chillicothe, Oho. Family will receive friends from 11:00 – 1:00 on Thursday at the funeral home.
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