John "Jock" Richardson Rucker, Jr, age 72, of Murfreesboro, TN, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, after a brave journey with Alzheimer's disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Wolfe Rucker and John Richardson Rucker, Sr.

Jock was a 1971 graduate of Central High School, where he was an All-State basketball player. He went on to graduate from Middle Tennessee State University in 1975, where he was a member of the basketball team and president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After earning his Juris Doctor degree from Memphis State University, he returned to his hometown of Murfreesboro to join his family's distinguished law practice, first established in 1860. For 43 years, he practiced law alongside many members of his family, including his father and son, continuing a proud tradition of dedication and service to the community.

Over the years, Jock served as the President of the local Bar Association and was honored as a Fellow of the TN Bar Foundation. He had great purpose and integrity in his career, he considered it a joy and privilege to serve his clients, and he was a mentor to many young attorneys.

Deeply committed to his community, he gave generously of his time and leadership through service on the Board of Directors for the United Way, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Murfreesboro City School Board - Chairman, the Guidance Center, Evergreen Cemetery, and First Tennessee Bank. He was also a proud member of the inaugural class of Leadership Rutherford.

Jock was a man of faith and family. A charter member of One Church Calvary, he lived out his faith with quiet humility. Some of his favorite days were spent on Center Hill Lake, pheasant hunting in South Dakota, or on his annual beach trip to 30A with his family. He was a loyal fan of MTSU basketball. Of all his roles, his favorite title was "Papa Jock," lovingly given to him by his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patty Rucker; children Rich Rucker and his wife Ann Elizabeth, Anne Rucker Loy and her husband Josh; grandchildren Rucker, Will, Emmie and Frannie; siblings Richard Rucker and his wife Sue, Libbi Rucker-Reed, and Debbie Combos.

Visitation with the family will be Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 2:00-6:00pm at One Church Calvary, 431 Dejarnette Lane, Murfreesboro, TN. Funeral service will be Monday, October 20, 2025 at 10:00am at One Church Calvary. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery with David East, Chad Fuson, Greg Fuson, Jimmy Jackson, Ben Jamison, Josh Loy, Rucker Loy, Steve Ruckart, Rich Rucker, and Will Rucker serving as pallbearers.

Memorial donations in Jock's honor may be made to: Alive Hospice, 1629 Williams Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 or One Church Calvary, 431 Dejarnette Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37130