Born March 10, 1941 – Lebanon, TN

Thomas William Rucks, 84, of University Heights, OH, passed away on August 22, 2025. Born in Lebanon, Tennessee, on March 10, 1941, Thomas lived a life anchored by three guiding pillars: God, family, and education.

God was the foundation of his life. A faithful servant of the Gospel, Thomas spent countless hours sharing God’s word and encouraging others in their walk with the Lord. His faith was not only spoken but lived daily, evident in the way he treated others with kindness, patience, and respect.

Family was the heart of his world. Thomas never missed a milestone, showing up with pride, love, and encouragement for each achievement. He was a steady and supportive presence, both in ordinary moments and in life’s most important ones.

Education was his passion and his gift. After graduating as Salutatorian of his 1958 high school class and earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Tennessee State University, he worked tirelessly to instill in his daughters and granddaughters the value of learning, discipline, and excellence. Their own educational pursuits stand as a testament to his influence and guidance.

Thomas also served his country with pride as a member of the U.S. Military before embarking on a long career in Finance, later retiring from the IRS. His strong work ethic was matched only by his generosity of spirit, which touched everyone who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his father Alfred Rucks, the mother who gave birth to him, Hority Rucks, and the mother who raised him, Gladys Rucks, and his siblings, James Rucks and Gladys “Geneva” Waters. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Jean Rucks; his daughters, Karla (Marcus) Martin and Lana Rucks (Michael Neubert); his granddaughters, Alyce Hopes, Mackenzie Moore, and Madison Moore; and his siblings, Alfred “Julian” Rucks, Claudine (James) Wilson, Mary Hurd, Jarvis (Wilma) Rucks, Jeanette “Elaine” Crutchfield, and Joseph Rucks and his sister-in-law Gloria Ann Rucks, and many nieces and nephews who affectionately called him Uncle Thomas.

Thomas’ life was one of faith in action, love without condition, and wisdom generously shared. Though his presence will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught and the example he set will continue to guide his family and all who were blessed to know him.