Funeral services for Billy Olan Rucks, 86, of Hanceville, Alabama will be 2 p.m. July 26th at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow the service at Shanghi Cemetery in Walker County. Bro. Rick Davis will be officiating services. The family will welcome friends for visitation on Friday at Hanceville Funeral Home from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Billy, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born on April 14, 1938 to the late William and Molly Nobinger-Rucks in Blount County, Alabama. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 23, 2024 in Hanceville, Alabama.
Born in 1938, Billy lived a life full of love, laughter, and joy. Billy’s love for fishing was matched only by his passion for spending quality time with his grandson, creating memories that will be cherished forever. A proud member of the 1955 Hanceville High School Championship football team, Billy’s love for sports was a lifelong affair. Although Mr. Rucks didn’t attend college; after high school he went on to obtain 2 honorary diplomas from Texas A&M and LSU.
Family was the cornerstone of Billy’s life. He thrived on family gatherings, where his laughter and jokes filled the room. Known for his playful spirit, Billy loved to aggravate and make jokes, always bringing smiles to those around him. He was the epitome of the neighborhood dad, always there with a helping hand, share a good story or air up a bicycle tire. Billy had a deep love for the beach and enjoyed being on the road, traveling to new places and making new friends. His joy was infectious, and he was happy wherever he was, spreading positivity and warmth.
After 35 years of dedicated service, Billy retired from Southern Natural Gas, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and commitment. He was also a proud member of the Masons, upholding the values of brotherhood and service.
Those surviving him are his daughter, Lacey (Douglas Clark) Wilson; grandson, Jonathan Taylor Wilson; sister, Fifa Jo Harris; sisters-in-law, Judy Lockard-Goldsmith and her husband, John and Melba Rucks; and a host of many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Rucks was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Faye Lockard-Rucks; siblings, Murl Rucks, Louise (Bill) Whitt, Lorene (Joe) Bachmuth, Faye Rucks and W.C. Rucks; and brother-in-law, Harold Harris.
