William Blair Ruckman, Sr.

William Blair Ruckman, Sr., age 97, of Greencastle, PA passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Menno Haven Rehab. Born November 23, 1926, in Richwood, WV, he was the son of the late Martin B. and Minnie McElwain Ruckman.

Mr. Ruckman was a graduate of Nicholas County High School in WV. He went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Army during WWII. Mr. Ruckman worked as a foreman in the brickyard at general refractories and later as a salesman at EMR from 1983-1998, when he retired. He was a member of Harvest Baptist Church, Hagerstown, MD. In his spare time Mr. Ruckman enjoyed wood working, cooking for his family; especially making fried potatoes and pancakes as well as baking chocolate cake and Christmas popcorn balls, he loved to garden, had won the biggest pumpkin in Hoven, SD, enjoyed golfing and football as an avid Ravens fan. Played softball at church, he had served as a deacon for many years along with singing in the church choir, he was a spiritual firefighter.

Surviving are eight children, William Blair “Sam” Ruckman, Jr. (wife Leslie) of Hoven, SD, Barry Ruckman (wife Dorcas) of Greencastle, PA, Lawrence C. Ruckman of Westminster, MD, Carol Temple (husband Roy) of South Dakota, Donna Sisler (husband Neil) of Pottsville, PA, Dennis Ruckman (wife Susan) of Westminster, MD, Russell Ruckman (wife Becky) of Sykesville, MD, and Tammy Soulama (husband Bouba) of Reisterstown, MD; 23 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Webb Ruckman in 2017 and three siblings.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 1 PM at the Harold M. Zimmerman and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 45 S. Carlisle St., Greencastle, PA where Pastor Steven Rogers will officiate. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will be in South Dakota.