Carol Johnson Ruckman

Delilah “Carol” Johnson Ruckman, age 83, went to Heaven on September 20, 2024. Carol was the fifth of six daughters born to Georgia Bennett Johnson and Cody Johnson. She was a naturally gifted and fiercely loyal mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. Carol was born in McRoberts, Kentucky, and lived in Lexington with her family until they relocated to Clermont, Florida when she was in the 7th grade.

Carol moved to Jacksonville upon high school graduation, where she began her career as a talented executive assistant and met her husband, Don. She embraced “big city” life and loved the energy and people she met working in downtown Jacksonville. Together, the Ruckmans raised three daughters, built two homes, launched a thriving business, and actively participated in social and sports events. An avid football fan, she and Don were Jacksonville Jaguars Charter Season Ticketholders and stayed true to the hometown team. College basketball was her second love.

Carol was best known for her optimism and always finding the good in people or situations. Her social nature, charm, and giving spirit permeated the Ruckman home, which was always open to friends, neighbors, and her large family. She loved music, dressing up, and hosting celebrations. She made every holiday and birthday special and memorable. She was an eager and competent volunteer...serving as homeroom mom, cheerleading sponsor, swim team board, dance team coordinator, or neighborhood social chairman...and encouraged her girls to get involved in the activities that interested them. She had a deep faith and wisdom that surpassed her years.

Surviving family members include her three daughters, Susan Ruckman Jezek of St Petersburg, Florida (David), Nancy Ruckman Crocker of Pawleys Island, South Carolina (Lee), and Jennie Ruckman Rankin of Jacksonville, Florida. Four grandchildren were her pride and joy -- Nicholas Crocker (Liesel), Emily Crocker (fiancé Matt Robertson), Austin Rankin (Gabriella), and Georgia Rankin; along with three great-grandchildren, Charlie Crocker, Henry Crocker, and Juliet Crocker. She is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Donald Kedrick Ruckman.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn in Jacksonville, Florida. In lieu of flowers and to continue Carol’s legacy of uplifting others, the family requests donations to Young Life Arlington. To contribute, visit younglife.org and designate your gift to Arlington Jacksonville -- FL 246. Checks can be mailed to YL Arlington, P.O. Box 8913, Jacksonville, FL 32239-0913.