William "Bill" Rucker jr

Mar 1, 1934  Aug 18, 2009

WILLIAM “BILL” RUCKER, JR. BLACK MOUNTAIN

William “Bill” Robert Rucker, Jr., 75 passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2009.

Mr. Rucker was born March 1, 1934 in Rutherford County and was a resident of Buncombe County for most of his life.

Mr. Rucker was a member of First Baptist Church of Black Mountain.

He was the son of the late William Robert Rucker, Sr. and Katie Lee Trexler Rucker.

Bill was a lifelong member of Black Mountain First Baptist Church where he was a deacon and held many various positions. He was an active member and past president of the Black Mountain Lions Club.

He was retired educator and coach in the local and surrounding area school systems for 40 years. His accomplishments were many but his career was highlighted with a 90 consecutive game win streak with Owen High School women’s basketball in which he held the state record for most consecutive wins and won a state championship. “Coach” was inducted into the Owen High School Hall of Fame, the Western North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame as well as the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

Mr. Rucker is survived by his loving wife ten years, Frances Owenby Rucker; daughter, Kathy Sprinkle and husband, Lynn of Marion; sons, William Robert “Rob” Rucker III and wife, Amy of Hickory and Todd Rucker of Asheville; six grandchildren, Shelby McLennan, Brittany Rucker and Ben Rucker, Kirby Rucker, Andrew Sprinkle, Nick Sprinkle, stepchildren, Susan Weaver and husband, Michael of Asheville and Sammy Sales and wife, Christy of Fairview.

A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, August 23, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Black Mountain with the Reverend David Rayburn officiating

Burial will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2009 at First Baptist Church, Black Mountain.

At other times, the family will be at the residence, 227 S. Laurel Circle Dr., Black Mountain.

Flowers are accepted and appreciated. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider First Baptist Church, Black Mountain, 130 Montreat Rd. Black Mountain, NC 28711 or Black Mountain Lions Club, 227 S. Laurel Circle, Black Mountain, NC 28711.