John Fitzgerald "Ken" Rucker

John Fitzgerald "Ken" Rucker, passed away Friday, October 23, 2020.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel. The family will receive friends from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Friday, October 30, 2020 at the funeral home.John Fitzgerald Kennedy Rucker was born in Gainesville, Georgia on June 9, 1964 to the proud parents of Willene and Eugene Summerour.

Ken, as his family called him, was also affectionately called John by his Uncle Curtis Tate, Sr and by his mother “Baby Boy.” Ken leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife of 21 years, Mrs. Kimberly Hicks Rucker of Gainesville, Ga.

Ken had an infectious personality that made people gravitate to him by just being Ken. He was a people person, always willing to help anyone he could. He loved hanging out with his besties Mike Rucker and Genie Boy.

Ken attended and graduated from Gainesville High School where he played football for Coach Gruhn.  Ken received a football scholarship to Eastern Arizona College where he played college football and he attended Clark Atlanta.  After college, Ken worked for the Gainesville Sherriff Dept. and currently worked for Toyota Tag in Pendergrass.

Ken gave his life to Jesus and was a member at First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Ga. He always had a love for family. He took pride in rescuing his nieces and nephews out of trouble during the holiday season by becoming their personal connoisseur of food. Whatever they did not eat Ken would clean it up for them to keep them out of trouble.  

Ken enjoyed entertaining at family gathering with his other siblings singing and dancing. He was indeed an avid people person who loved emulating his favorite television characters “The Rock and Rick Flair.”  Ken believed in living life to the fullest and making each day count for good.  His unspoken motto demonstrated through his actions was Romans 12:18 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Ken was deeply passionate about his children. He treasured them as his Diamond in the Rough, transforming the world . . . “One child, one family, one community at a time".  He leaves two daughters and two sons to cherish his memories: Mr. Anthony Trey (Dian) Rucker of Griffin, Ga., Ms. Kendra Rucker, Mr. & Mrs. Paige (Darrell) Bonds, Mr. John Rucker, Jr., , all of Gainesville, Ga. Nine grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his mother Mrs. Willene Summerour, six sisters and four brothers: Mrs. Vickie (Russell) Smith, Mrs. Dorothy (Kenneth) Bolden, Mrs. Lisa (Herbert) Mize, Ms. Regina Summerour all of Gainesville. Ga.  Mr. Fabian (Connie) Rucker, Mr. Timothy (Sonya) Rucker all of Gainesville, Ga.  Ms. Janice Harris and Mr. Darrell (Annett) Bland of Eataon,Ga.,  Sylvester “Genie Boy” Norman, Rev. Dianne (Curtis Haynes,Sr.) of Lawrencville.

Brother and sister in law: Ms. Teresa Hicks, Mr. Ricky (Shelia) Hicks all of Dahlonega, Ga. and Mr. Van (Dee) Hicks of Columbus, Ohio.  Ken cherished host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Memorial Park Funeral Home North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Dr. is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.