Sam Rucker Jr.

Sam Rucker Jr. was born April 4, 1970 in Chicago, IL, to Sam and Joyce Rucker. He joined church early on in his life at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Napolean Wordlaw.

Sam Jr. graduated from Roosevelt High School then shortly after attended The Army Reserve. In 1989 he met Aquanette, and in this union they had six children, one of whom preceded him in death. He worked for nine years at Ann Kiley Center in Waukegan then went on to work at Family Building Dreams.

Sam Jr. met his fiancé Shelene Kynard, whom he was with until his passing. He was a loving father, brother, son, and friend. He was always a smooth guy and had plenty of jokes. He loved to make people smile and laugh. Some of his favorite things to do were BBQing with his family, being at his aunt Bobby house with his cousins, which they called him Big Cuz.

He loved going fishing. Sam loved cars, riding his bike through town for a nice breeze and playing with his grandchildren.

Sam Jr. departed this life on November 15, 2024.

He is preceded in death by: His grandmothers, Katherine Lewis and Alberta Rucker; his grandfathers; seven uncles, five aunties, four cousins and one grandson, Jae’Ceon Marcel Acker.

He leaves to cherish many memories: His mother and father, Sam (Joyce) Rucker; sister, Kaishia Rucker; brother, Anton Rucker; fiancé, Shelene Kynard; daughters, Lavera Hampton, Mercedez (Kyle) Acker, Dominique (Damonjay) Mack, Kyla Rucker, Samantha Rucker and Shadrica Epson; Godson, David Clark III; eleven grandkids; his best friend, Mark Miller; fishing buddies, Eddie, Rodney and Timothy; and a host of aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.