William Howard Rucker

Published 5:44 pm Tuesday, March 11, 2025

July 28, 1941 – March 8, 2025

FERRIDAY – Funeral services for William “Billy” Howard Rucker, 83, of Ferriday, will be held at Ferriday Methodist Church on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 2 p.m. with Gray Clary officiating. A short visitation will be held at the church from 1 p.m. until the service begins at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Natchez, under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at Youngs Funeral Home on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 5 until 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ferriday Methodist Church or Ferriday Rotary Club.

Billy was born on Monday, July 28, 1941, in Ferriday, and passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, with his family by his side. Billy Rucker, a dedicated community leader and lifelong public servant, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, leadership, and service. For many decades, Billy served as the hospital administrator at Riverland Medical Center, where his guidance and vision helped shape the hospital’s growth and success. His crowning achievement came with the construction and completion of the new Trinity Medical Center, a project he diligently oversaw before retiring.

Billy was a lifelong member of Sevier United Methodist Church, now Ferriday Methodist Church, where he was deeply involved in his faith and church community. His passion for serving others extended far beyond his professional life, as he dedicated much of his time to numerous civic and community organizations.

He was a true advocate for progress in his beloved community, serving in various leadership roles. Billy was appointed to the 5th District Levee Board and the Delta Bike Trail Commission. He also served as a Ferriday Town Councilman and was honored to hold the position of Mayor Pro Tem. As a notary public, he provided an essential service to many, and as a board member of the Kisatchie-Delta Regional Planning and Development District, he played a role in shaping regional growth.

His commitment to civic engagement was evident through his involvement with the Louisiana Municipal Association, the Jaycees-where he served as President of the Rotary Club. He was a Rotary Club President, a distinguished Paul Harris Fellow, and a proud 50-year member of the organization.

Billy was instrumental in the formation of the Delta Music Museum, a project that highlighted the region’s rich musical history. His efforts in the Downtown Ferriday Revitalization Project helped preserve and enhance the community’s historic character, ensuring a vibrant and welcoming environment for future generations.

Throughout his life, Billy’s passion for service, leadership, and community betterment never wavered. He was a man of great integrity, wisdom, and kindness, always working to improve the lives of those around him. His legacy will live on through the many projects he championed and the countless lives he touched.

Billy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire community he so faithfully served. His unwavering dedication and contributions have left an indelible mark, and his spirit of service will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

He is reunited with his wife, Melba Rucker; parents, Henry and Margaret Rucker; and brother, Henry “Bubba” Rucker.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Martie and her husband, John Clary of Ruston, LA; three grandsons, John Gray Clary and wife, Savannah of Rock Hill, SC, William Grant Clary of Cookeville, TN and Joseph Graham Clary of West Monroe, LA; great-grandson, Ezra Gray Clary; brother, John Mel Rucker and wife, Carol of AZ, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Those honored to be Pallbearers will be Jamie McCartney, Buck Langston, David Hedrick, Jess Horton, John Holyoak, Fred Middleton, Brannon Arthur, Barrett Arthur, Steve Rucker, Dave Rucker, and Walter Pullen.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Sid Moreland, Delane Burnett, Larry Chauvin, Bob Jones, H.L. Irvin, Hyram Copeland, Richard Alwood, William Coleman, Glen McGlothin, Mitchell Langston, Dan Coleman, and Leo Crawford.