Joel L. Rucker Sr., age 78, of Benton, joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven, on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton.  He was born December 21, 1944 in Malvern, Arkansas to the late Howard K. Rucker and Jennie Sesser Rucker.  Joel served in the Army National Guard of Benton, Arkansas.  He retired from JA Riggs Co. in Little Rock as a Field Service Diesel Mechanic and Granite Mountain Quarries in Little Rock.  Joel enjoyed camping, fishing, and deer hunting with his wife, children, and grandchildren.  Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Don Rucker of Malvern and his granddaughter, Madison Rucker of Malvern.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rebecca Rucker; sons, Timothy W. Rucker (Tracy) of Bauxite and Joel Rucker Jr. of Kansas; daughter, Amy Baker (Brad) of Alexander; grandchildren, Colby Rucker of Benton, Ty Baker of Alexander, Emma Baker of Alexander, and Alex Hinkle (Brandon) of Pangburn; sister, Mary Jo Gray of Malvern, brother, Harold K. Rucker (Sonja) of Malvern; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 20 at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton.

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 21 at New Hope Haven of Rest Cemetery in Rolla on S. Willow Rd.

Family Comments:  A special Thank You to Julius and all of Joel's Caregivers during his stay at Evergreen Living Center.  Also, a special Thank You to all Caregivers at Saline Memorial Hospital and Encore Heart Hospital.