Johnny Louis Rucks

Johnny Louis Rucks was the second child born to Adolph and Everlean Eason Rucks on April 28, 1952, in Sparkman, Arkansas. He protected his brothers and sisters, while enjoying being an example for them to follow. Nurtured in a Christian environment, he accepted Christ at a young age and joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. He was a dedicated member who served as an usher and played the guitar with the music department. Johnny was a man who wasn’t caught up on “this church or that church” he truly loved the Lord and used his gifts whenever and wherever he could. He was the guitarist for 9 years at Victory Way Church of God in Christ in Bearden, Arkansas. He was a member of the Gospel Jubilee’s, the Gentleman’s Club, the Eight Ball-Ball Club, and the Top Gun Hunting Club. He was a 1971 graduate of Sparkman High School. His class was the first class to cross over the line of segregation into integration. He attended Baptist Business College in Little Rock, Arkansas. Johnny yet was an example to his friends and fellow classmates. His friendship crossed the lines of race and gender. He was a trusted friend who made friends with everyone. A few years after high school Annie Holmes caught his eye and after a brief courtship on April 19, 1974, he married his sweetheart and one true love. Together they laid a solid foundation for family life based on love, commitment, and Christian values. The Lord added to the union four children. Johnny worked countless hours as a logger with the Troy Bradley Logging Company in Fordyce for 28 years; he worked 2 years for the Moses Smith Logging Company and lastly the Crouse Logging Company in Sheridan, Arkansas for 7 years. Johnny was a good man, who gained respect wherever he went. He had a tender heart and would go above and beyond to help anyone who was in need. He gave wise advice and was known to just “tell it, like it is”. His trademark was the Fedora Hat and no man could wear a Fedora like Johnny L. Rucks. Johnny was born, he lived and he died to live again. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph (1994) his mother, Everlean (2011); three brothers, Robert L. Rucks (1994), Larry Rucks (1992) and Lonnie Rucks (2011). Because love is far greater that death Johnny departs this earth in body only. His cunning smile and hearty laugh will live on in the memories of his wife: Annie Rucks of Sparkman, AR; his children, LaShunda (Reginald ) Dickerson of Arkadelphia, AR, Michelle Rucks ( Walter Jones) of Little Rock, AR, Jonathan (Nikki) Rucks of Arkadelphia, AR, Courtney (Myron) Horton of Arkadelphia, AR; nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; one brother, L. C. (Paula) Rucks of Sparkman, AR, sisters, Linda S. Rucks (Charlie) Matlock of Princeton, AR, and Loraine Rucks (Hosea) Walker of Gurdon, AR; his in-laws, L. C. Holmes of Clarksdale, MS, Leroy Holmes of Milwaukee, WI, Jessie Holmes of Milwaukee, WI, Willie James (Gwen) Holmes of Panama City, FL, Leonard (Lois) Holmes of Atlanta, GA, and Mary Alice Holmes of Atlanta, GA; uncles, Elder G. C. (Missionary Annie) Nolen of Arkadelphia, AR, Charles (Vicki) Lock of Malvern, AR, and Marcus Lock of Malvern, AR; aunts, Fannie Eason of Hot Springs, AR, Corrine Archer of Clarksdale, MS and Effie Mae Hebron of Clarksdale, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, numerous friends and the Macedonia Baptist Church family. Visitation will be Friday, June 5, 2015 from 1-4 p.m. The family will receive relatives and friends 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church in Sparkman. A service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. hosted at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., is the pastor. Rev. J. L. Newborn the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church will deliver the eulogy. Interment will be Harmony Community Cemetery.