James Roddy Rucker

James Roddy Rucker, 73, of Elloree, was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a pillar of the community, and was affectionately nicknamed “The Mayor of Stumphole”. Everyone looked forward to the customary “hey-bo” greeting from Roddy.

Mr. Rucker passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023 and was born in Columbia, SC on July 28, 1949. Roddy was a force to be reckoned with and instantly made the world a better place. He was a graduate of Swansea High School Class of 1967, where he was a member of the football team. Those who attended high school with him might recall his nickname of “Little Scoffer” (and his big brother, Billy, was nicknamed “Scoffer”).

After graduation, he began working in the farming industry for a short time before joining his father in the family business at the logging saw mill. Eventually he opened his own construction business, which he successfully ran for 50+ years.

Roddy was an avid Clemson fan! He enjoyed nothing more than attending the games with his wife and best friends, JC and Sue Carrington. GO TIGERS!!! He & Deborah also loved shagging and could be found on many nights at Merlin’s cutting the rug. When he wasn’t at a football game or on the dance floor, he was on the water or in a deer stand.

Survivors include his loving wife, Deborah Rucker; children, Vickie Porter (Felix Medina), Jim Rucker (Tina Flake), Kristie (Clay) Carter, Reid (Kristen) Rucker and Beth Porter (Rodger Steele); grandchildren, Brooke Chavis, Savannah (Ben) Harris, Brian Medina, Breanna Medina, Kayla (Paul) Currey, Victoria Carter, Davis Carter, Taylor Carter, Cici Carter, Hayden Krasselt, Casi Krasselt, Rucker Krasselt, Abby Krasselt, Jackson Rucker, Kentzler Rucker, Rowan Rucker, Ryan Rucker, and Jack Rucker; a great-grandchild, Leddy Harris; siblings, Billy (Judy) Rucker and Brenda (Kary) Hoffman; nieces and nephews, Janet (Ed) Bearden, Lane (Crystal) Hoffman, Kelly (Todd) Sawyer, Steven (Erica) Davis, Lisa Rucker, and Laurie (Brandon) Smith; and a host of beloved cousins.

He is also predeceased by his father and mother, JK and Vonalea Rucker.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, January, 22, 2023 at Swansea First Baptist Church with Rev. Matt Elmore and Rev. Terry Wilder officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the sanctuary.

Memorials may be made to Flowers for Bibles, P.O. Box 550, Swansea, SC 29160 (www.swanseafbc.com/donate).