Willard A. Rucker Obituary (1947 - 2023)

Willard A. Rucker Jr., 76, of Decatur, IL passed away at 7:47 a.m., Thursday, June 1, 2023, in his residence. The family will gather for a memorial visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion. Following the visitation, a graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. in North Fork Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Macon County Honor Guard and the US Army Honors Team. Memorials may be made in Willards honor to the American Cancer Society. Willard was born March 7, 1947, in Decatur, IL the son of Willard A and Ruth (Nelson) Rucker Sr. Willard Had served his country proudly in the US Army 1st Air Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War. He was a decorated solider including being awarded a Medal for Heroism. He had worked for A.E. Staley Company and later went on to work and retire from Tate and Lyle. He had been a member of the Community of Christ Church. Willard loved family cook outs and truly was an avid fisherman. He married Dixie Page on November 4, 1966. Surviving is his wife: Dixie of Long Creek; son: Jeremy Rucker of Long Creek; daughter: Dixie Lee Rucker of Long Creek; granddaughter: Audrey Rucker of Long Creek; step-granddaughter Corinna Lindsay of Bismarck, Missouri; sister: Grace Floyd (Steve) of Decatur; special family: Ruth Ann and Ron Covey of Decatur. Willard was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Delmar, and his sister: Donna. Willard has left his earthly home to go fishing in Heaven. He will be sadly missed.