Ralph Hampton Rucker (Hamp, Dad, Poppy) went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at age 85. He was born and raised in Fincastle, where he grew up attending Woodland Church.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Jean McMillan Rucker; parents, James Samuel, Sr. (Sam) and Nettie Rucker; sister, Agnes Rucker Dalton Prinz; brothers, James Samuel, Jr. (Pete) and Frank Anthony (Tony) Rucker and his wife, Audrey; brothers-in-law, Joe, Jimmy, Charlie, Doug, Gerald, Bobby and Willard (Mac) McMillan; sisters-in-law, Lou, Linda, June and Virginia McMillan; as well as daughters, Kelly Rucker Lovelace and Lori Rucker Lester Hartless; sons-in-law, James Lester and Robert Walthall; and grandson, John Lovelace.
He is survived by his daughter, Toni Rucker Walthall; sister-in-law, Connie McMillan; and grandchildren, Jayme Lester White, Leah Lester, Levi Rucker, Liam Walthall, William Darby, Shane Darby and Natalie Darby; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, wonderful friends and caretakers, as well as his much-loved cat, “Dude.”
Ralph retired from Chocklett Press in 2002 after 30-plus years in the printing industry, most of which was spent at Roanoke Engraving and Roanoke Color Graphics before its close. He worked as a photo-lithographer and was well known and respected by colleagues in his profession for his dedication and skill.
The family received friends for the visitation from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at 3 p.m. in Trinity Cemetery. Because of his big heart and love for all animals, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roanoke Wildlife Rescue, P.O. Box 20482, Roanoke, VA 24018 or www.roanokewildlife.org. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com or 540-254-3000.
