Dana Rucker III

Dana Henry Rucker III, PE, 92, of Cornelius, NC passed away peacefully at home on August 21, 2018, surrounded by his family.  Dana was born July 22, 1926 in Richmond, VA to the late Dana and Lilla Campbell Rucker, Jr.

Dana was an eagle scout and a World War II U.S. Navy Veteran; serving as a combat air crewman. After discharge, Dana attended N.C. State University; graduating in 1952 with a Civil Engineering degree. Dana was a dedicated and well respected Professional Engineer. In 1970, he founded Dana H. Rucker and Associates, Inc., a local structural engineering firm. During Dana’s career, he served in a number of capacities and received numerous awards for his contributions to the engineering profession. One of his most rewarding achievements was serving 10 years on the N.C. Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, which included two years as board chairman. He also served on the National Council of Engineering and Land Surveyors and was a member of Professional Engineers of N.C., South Piedmont Chapter. Outside of Dana’s engineering profession, he was a life member of Lake Norman Cornelius Lions Club and Cornelius American Legion Post 86. He was a charter member of the Lake Norman Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, treasurer, Sunday School teacher as well as other positions. Most recently, Dana was a member of Neighborhood Church in Huntersville, NC. To his grandchildren, he was the Grandest.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Mary Ruth Rucker, and son-in-law Chris Holcombe. Dana is survived by his loving family; sons, Robert D. Rucker (Debbie) of Weddington, NC, Joseph B. Rucker (Judy) of Garner, NC; daughter, Donna R. Holcombe of Huntersville, NC; grandchildren, Kathy Grey, Joy Rucker, Dana, Jr. (Rebecca) Rucker, Joseph, Jr. (Jenny) Rucker, Summy Rucker, Aaron (Sarah) Rucker, Michelle Holcombe, Jessica Holcombe, Brooke Holcombe; great-grandchild, Lauren Rucker; and two brothers, Robert (Marilyn) Rucker and Harrison Rucker.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 25th, 2018 beginning at 12:00 PM at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, Huntersville.  The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Landon Horton officiating.  Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte. Memorial contributions may be made to Neighborhood Church, Building Fund, 12625 Kemerton Lane, Huntersville, NC 28078 or Novant Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233-3549.