Russell Rucker

Russell Rucker, 74, of Cartwright, OK went home to be with our Lord on March 26, 2017. He was surrounded by family, and went peacefully holding the hands of his wife and daughter. He was born in Tulia, Texas on December 25, 1942 to Carl and Vera Rucker. In his childhood years, Russell and his cousins enjoyed tying his sister, Donna, to a goat because she was the only one brave enough to ride it. He attended school in Tulia and graduated from Tulia High School in 1961. Russell was voted class officer, as well as, Best All-Around Athlete. He was a star football player and went on to attend Fort Lewis College on a football scholarship. He graduated from West Texas State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration in 1967, with his son, Ty, standing beside him. Russell became a Certified Public Accountant on February 10, 1969. He started a partnership in Tulia with Red Baldwin to form Baldwin Rucker, CPA in January of 1971. Russell was a lifetime member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. He was also a member of the Panhandle Chapter of Certified Public Accountants for 35 years. Russell married his beloved wife, Elizabeth, on November 3, 1989. They enjoyed their lives, for 23 years, living 7 miles northwest of Tulia, where their grandchildren drove the tractor and gator, made mud pies and played in the hot tub. They built their home on love and laughter, where everyone felt welcome. After retirement, Russell and Liz moved to Cartwright, OK on Lake Texoma. They lived in a small neighborhood, where they developed lifelong friendships with their neighbors. Russell was a strong, stoic man, known for his leadership, kindness and ability to always be humble. His quick wit and love for his yard would make anyone fall in love with him. His was preceded in death by his mother, father, son Ty Wayne Rucker, and grandchild Anthony Holland. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Rucker of Cartwright, OK; daughter, Jamie Skaggs and husband Cary of Bushland, TX; daughter-in-law, Joy Rucker of Kingsland, TX; daughter, Carmyn Harrison, and husband Jimmy of Hobbs, NM; daughter Jill Holland of Farmerville, LA; daughter, Kim Gabriel of Dallas, TX; sister, Donna Morris and husband Don of Tulia, TX. Russell also has 12 grandchildren, Rachael, Sarah, Justin, Cameron, Tesla, Drew, Jimmy, Maxie, Kyler, Kellie, Brystol and Hadlee and 6 great-grandchildren. Graveside funeral service to Celebrate the life of Russell will be held Wednesday March 29, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Fairview Cemetery in Denison, TX with Pastor Leon Veazey officiating. Pallbearers will be Drew DeBerry, Jimmy Harrison, Jimmy Harrison II, Cameron Holland, Trent Morris, Cary Skaggs, Presley Walker, and Dobby Walker. Family Hour will be held on Tuesday March 28, 2017 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the Brown’s Funeral Service Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Lung Association or Cal Farleys Boy’s Ranch. The family would like to thank Guardian Hospice and everyone who has shown their love and support. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com.Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service, Durant.

Russell Rucker

December 25, 1942 - March 26, 2017