Willie Earl Rucker

Willie E. Rucker, 70, of Sioux City passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, at a nursing home in Kingsley, Iowa.
Memorial services will be 6 p.m. Thursday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Sioux City. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Willie was born on March 2, 1945, in Shreveport, La., to Charles and Essie (Johnson) Rucker. In his younger years, Willie enjoyed horseback riding and dancing. Prior to accepting Christ into his life, he worked as a bartender for many years.
Willie was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and worked in maintenance there. Willie will be remembered as a sharp dresser, who loved life.
Those left to honor his memory include his niece, Debra Bates of Houston, Texas, and her children, Tiffany Marie and La Kesha; nephew, Robert Bates of Sioux City, and his children, Matthew, Jasmin, Andrew, Sadie, and Chasity; nephew, Bobby Bates of Sioux City, and his children, Bobby Jr., LeRoyce, Amy, Sherill, and E.J.; and 20 great-grandnieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Jean Bates; and grandnephew, Jonathan Lamar Burow.