Byron T. Rucker

Major Byron T. Rucker, long-time resident of the town of Maine, passed away at the age of 91 at Wilson Hospital on Monday, August 18th, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents Kenelm and Willie Rucker of Ruckersville, Georgia; by his brothers Kenelm and Elbert Rucker, and by one sister, Willena Rucker Blackstock.
Byron is survived by his beloved and faithful wife of 65 years, Rosa May Dudley of Chenango Bridge; by three children, James A. Rucker and daughter-in-law Michelle Rucker of Binghamton; by his son Kevin M. Rucker of Smyrna, Georgia; by his daughter Melinda May Sowka and son-in-law John Sowka, Jr., of Tavares, Florida; by a dear sister-in-law Jerri Rucker; by four nieces in Georgia, Ginny Reed, Katherine Robinson, Kirsty Rucker and Karol Lunsford; by three grandchildren, Samantha May Soule of Inverness, Florida; Caleb Rucker of Smyrna, Georgia; Stephen Rucker of Athens, Georgia; by great-nieces Shayla and Katie and a great-nephew Jay, and by two great-grandchildren Greyson and Frankie May Soule.
Major Rucker was proud to be a retired officer of the United States Air Force who served during the Korean War and Cold War conflict, and was a member of the Military Officers Association. Byron also retired from IBM Glendale after 37 years of dedicated service during which time he earned many commendations and accolades as an Electrical Engineer. He belonged to the Elks club in Endicott and was also a long-time member of the Union Center United Methodist Church in Union Center, NY. Byron was an extremely generous man, donating to many charities and nonprofit organizations.
Byron was the best dad ever. He loved playing lots of golf, traveling with his wife and spending time on Owasco Lake.
Funeral Services for Byron will be held on Friday, August 29th at 11 am at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 E. Main Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Kattelville Cemetery, Binghamton, NY. The family will receive friends on Friday at the Allen Memorial Home from 9:30 am until Service time at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to, Rescue Mission, 56-58 Whitney Ave, Binghamton, NY 13901 or a local chapter.