Troup Banner, Troup TX: April 1, 1926

WM. J. RUCKER DIED THURSDAY

W.J. Rucker, 80 years old, pioneer citizen of Troup, died at a Jacksonville 
sanitarium Thursday night, March 25. The body was buried in the family burial 
plat at the Rucker cemetery near Troup Saturday morning under the auspices 
of Dixie Masonic Lodge. Preceding burial, funeral services were conducted 
at the family home in Southwest Troup.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Horace Picker of Saratogo, and Mrs. Noel 
Pace of Troup, a son Erwin Rucker of Troup. E.E. Rucker, the only surviving 
brother, also lives here.

Mr. Rucker had made Troup his home since the early days of the town, and 
possessed a wide circle of friends her, as well as a large number of acquaintances 
over Smith and Cherokee Counties. He was a brother of the late J.B. Rucker 
of Troup and a relative of many other Troup people. He owned considerable 
property near Troup.

Troup Banner, Troup TX: April 29, 1926

IN MEMORIAM
Sacred to the Memory of W.J. Rucker

To the worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Dixie Lodge No. 272 A.F.&A.L. 
Troup, Texas

On March 25, 1925 the spirit of our beloved Brother William Jordan Rucker, 
Was called by his Maker. Another link in the chain, which binds us together 
as Brethren, has been taken. One by one the old hand ... of Masonry are passing on. 

Brother Rucker was born December 3rd, 1845 in McMinn County, Tennessee; 
the eldest son of James Erwin Rucker and his wife, Elizabeth Rucker at 
the age of two years with his fathers family he moved to Texas and settled 
near Troup. He lived in the community where he died for about 45 years and 
in the town of Troup for ...  .. years.

Before making his majority our Brother answered the call of the South and 
shouldered his musket in defense of its honor.  He served valiantly for about 
three years having joined the ... company that his father was also a member of. 
How fitting that father and son fought side by side for the land that each 
loved so well. Later brother Rucker became a member of Company A, Barber Regiment 
under the command of Capt. Dan Egbert who himself died and was buried in Palestine 
only a short time ago.

Brother Rucker was initiated in Dixie Lodge on May 25the, 1877, during the administration of his Brother John M.  Rucker, the thirteenth Master of the Dixie Lodge who passed on June 29, 1877 and raised to the sub... degree of a Master Mason on July 21, 1877. As a mason Brother Rucker wood erect and was guided by the plumb, square and level in his daily life and his dealings with his fellowmen.

Our Brother was a member of one of the earliest and most highly respected families in this entire section of the county. His life amongst us was that of an ideal citizen. He was truly a man of the Old South. Always "ready and willing to lend a helping hand to the needy and to comfort those in distress. His life was a blessing to our community. His fellowship with his Brethren has left memories, which will never be forgotten. 

We offer the following resolutions: That in the death of Brother Rucker Masonry has lost one of its most worthy craftsman, his family a kind considerate and devoted husband and father and the community a most valuable citizen. We recommended that as a token of our high esteem the alter be draped in memory of our Brother, that these resolutions be handed to the family and ...  page in our minutes be set aside in honor of Brother Rucker and a copy furnished The Troup Banner for publication.

Fraternally submitted
JOHN WALTON PACE, 
A.P. SHARP
I.L. LAWHON.