Ray K. Rucker

Ray K. Rucker died Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the age of 98. Ray was born in Temple, on February 14, 1927, to William Glenn and Jewell Rucker, and lived his life in the Temple area, other than two years in Houston and two years in Port Arthur.

Ray graduated from Temple High School in 1944 and served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class from 1945 to 1946, during World War II, stationed in the Pacific and China. After returning home, he married Margaret Dell Collier in June 1948.

They had one child, Ranetta Jane, born in 1949. Ranetta had cerebral palsy and passed away in 1959. Ray returned to school, graduating from the Hermann Hospital School of Physical Therapy. He worked at Hughen School for Crippled Children in Port Arthur, Scott & White Hospital, and Santa Fe Hospital until his retirement in 1989.

He was a devout Christian and had been an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church. His favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, camping, and supporting Temple Wildcat football.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, daughter, parents, and brothers William Glenn Rucker, Jr., and Olen Cary Rucker. He is survived by several nephews and nieces.

A graveside service will be held at Bellwood Memorial Park on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM, officiated by Dr. Ron Milne. Arrangements are under the care of Scanio-Harper Funeral Home.