Please join us in honoring the life of Barry Keith Rucker. You are welcome to attend his funeral service in person, or you can watch the LIVE Broadcast at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Simply click the link below to view the service.

Funeral Service Broadcast for Barry Keith Rucker

A soldier has passed. Captain Barry Keith Rucker (U.S. Army Retired), 71, of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, passed away unexpectedly on January 8, 2026, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, William E. Rucker and Sarah Lucille Rucker; his brother, Jerry Estill Rucker; and his granddaughter, Rebecca VanWinkle.

Barry is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Brown Rucker of Lawrenceburg; his children, William "Pat" (Ann) Rucker of Alton, Chrystal (Jamie) Rowland of Lawrenceburg, and Shelby (Andrew) Jackson of Lexington; his special "like-a-son," James "Scorp" Lewis of Lawrenceburg; two grandsons, Evan (Eunji) Rowland, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and stationed in Japan, and Jacob Rowland of Lawrenceburg; one granddaughter, Delaney Rowland (Jayden Orellana) of Iowa; two beloved great-grandsons, Braxton Rowland and Leo Orellana; his brothers, Curt (Sonya) Rucker of Waddy and Tim (Scarlet) Rucker of Lawrenceburg; his sister, Sandy (Garry) Gaines of Lawrenceburg; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and his special dog, Nadine.

Barry was many things in his life: an unapologetic patriot, a devoted husband, a loving son and brother, a doting father, a proud grandfather, and even prouder great-grandfather. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Waddy, KY.

His military career spanned 20 years and included service in the U.S. Army, the 101st Airborne Division, and the National Guard. He was deeply proud of his service to his country. Barry was also a member of Masonic Lodge #125 in Salvisa, KY.

He loved spending time on his small farm, riding bikes with the Christian Motorcycle Club, and enjoying time with his family.

Funeral services will be held at Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, 701 North Main Street, Lawrenceburg, KY, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM, with Bro. Josh Rucker and Bro. Alex McGaughey officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery, 9780 Waddy Road, Lawrenceburg, KY. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, and on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

Masonic rites will be observed during the visitation on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Serving as pallbearers will be Andrew Jackson, Curt Rucker, Tim Rucker, Eric Rucker, Vernon Wallace, and James Lewis. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Rucker, Garry Gaines, Jason Thornberry, Allen Richards, Branton Tindall, and the late Buster Tindall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery, Attn: Tim Rucker, 2288 Benson Creek Road, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Condolences may be shared at www.ritchieandpeach.com .