Jerry Wayne Rucker, age 84, of Bismarck, passed from this life on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at his home. He was born on March 13, 1940, in Sparkman, the son of the late Johnny Granville and Lois Opal Launius Rucker. Jerry graduated from Sparkman High School. He worked as a pipe fitter for many years. Jerry attended Gurdon First Assembly of God and served as a deacon at Shady Grove Baptist Church. He enjoyed leading and singing for Jesus, fishing, hunting, and camping. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Annie Laura Rucker, two sisters, Fredia Pierce and Dorisann Tucker, two nephews, Sammy Tucker and Mark Rucker, and two nieces, Lisa Tucker and Sissy Clayton.

Survivors are his wife of forty-six years, Sharon Elizabeth (Holland) Rucker, six children, JerriLynne and Jimmy Pennington of Benton, Jimmy Jackson of Coal Hill, Johnny and Ruthie Jackson of Pineville, MO, James Jackson of Summerville, SC, Barbara Jackson of Bismarck, and Elizabeth and Justin Garner of Gurdon, twenty-one grandchildren, and twenty-nine great grandchildren, four brothers, Johnny and Jacquelin Rucker of Fordyce, Doug and Donna Herrin of Camden, Kenneth and Charlotte Herrin of Nashville, TN, and Mike and Shammy of Franklin, TN, and two sisters, Delores and Benny Dickey of Sparkman, and Lisa and Jim Wise of Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, June 24, 2024, at Shady Grove Baptist Church with Revs. Andrew Goodwin and Timmy Ray officiating.

Visitation will be from 2:30 to 4:30 PM Sunday at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia.

Interment will be in Holeman Cemetery.

Pallbearers are David Jackson, Bo Pennington, Joe Johnson, Justin Jackson, Tyler Johnson, Jae Pennington, Lloyd Denton and Tracy Rucker.

Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Rucker, Mike Rucker, Jimmy Pennington, Justin Garner, Benny Dickey and Jace Jackson.

Memorials may be made to Shady Grove/Holeman Cemetery.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.