Charles Edward Rucks

Charles Edward Rucks was born on Thursday, October 1, 1925 to Haney Rucks and Alberta Bailey Rucks in Nashville, Tennessee. He received his education in the Nashville Public School System. He attended Nelson Merry and Napier Elementary Schools and Cameron and Pearl High Schools. While still a teenager, Charles was recruited by the Canadian Pacific Railroad to work as a Pullman Porter. He successfully pursued this career for about 5 years before returning home to seek an alternative vocation. Eventually he secured employment with Boyd’s Men’s Store in downtown Nashville, where he worked for 33 years.

In the realm of romance, Charles’ heart was captured by the irresistible charm of Juanita Adkerson. After reeling him in, they were united in matrimony in November 1948. Their loving and committed relationship lasted for seventy years.

At an early age Brother Charles was baptized into Christ and became a member of the South Hill Church of Christ (Now Hart Street). He remained faithful as long as his health permitted.

Charles was an outdoorsman at heart! He was a skilled fisherman and an avid hunter. Rabbits got nervous when Charles came around and fish had a difficult time resisting his tantalizing lures! He possessed a talented green thumb and found great delight in gardening. He was equally at home in the kitchen or before the grill as he was in the garden, in the woods, or on the lake! He loved cooking and was considered by some to be a Master Griller. He derived great satisfaction from preparing and serving delectable dishes—especially his mouthwatering Bar-B-Que Ribs! He was known for bringing his famous pinto beans to church fellowships regardless of what the menu called for! Brother Rucks also enjoyed a reputation as a skilled Barber, on whom family members and neighbors relied for economically priced hair cuts. Dubbed the traveling Barber, he regularly provided hair cuts for the residences of the Preston Taylor Homes, as well as other neighbors! Additionally, Charles enjoyed photography and captured 1,000’s of memorable images through the years! He enjoyed showing his photos at family gatherings and church events. He was regarded by some as Hart Street’s unofficial photographer. He has left us a portrait of a multifaceted and multitalented man, who loved the Lord, his family and the Church.

Charles Edward Rucks quietly transitioned from time to eternity on Saturday, February 9, 2019. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten! He was preceded in death by Son, Charles E. Rucks, Jr.

Charles will be fondly remembered by: Juanita Rucks, his wife of 70 years; his Children, Michael Lamar Rucks, Phyllis (Harold) Thompson and Stephen P. Adkerson, Sr.; Grandchildren, Sandi Thompson, Siobhan Thompson, Allan Thompson, and Kimberly Thompson; Great Grandchildren, Chantae Thompson, Kayli Johnson, and Shana (Ian) Farley; Sisters-in-law, Mattie Hayes, Leola Cullom, Peggy Adkerson, and Dorris Rucks; Nieces, Marcia (James) Walker, Stefanie Adkerson, Alvia Rucks; Nephews, Leonard Craig Rucks, Jeffrey Dowell Rucks, Stephen (Carolyn) Adkerson, Jr., and Albert Rucks Jr.; Daughter-in-law, Renita Eddings; Devoted friend, Gene Hancock; a host of Cousins, other Relatives and Friends (especially the Krystal Krew); and his beloved Hart Street Church of Christ family.
Public Viewing with Family Present: