David Bryan Rucker

David Bryan Rucker, 58, was born September 2, 1959 in Greenville, TN. He was raised in Morristown and attended Morristown Hamblen High School West where he shared his love of music with everyone he met. He was a member of the marching band becoming the first African American Drum Major in the history of the school. He was also active in the Choir where his tenor voice was well known in talent shows and in barber shop quartets. He played and sang in many local bands including the Shades of Black, a teenaged band that traveled throughout the Southeast playing the latest top 40 tunes. Bryan was a gifted musician who enjoyed learning different instruments, including the piano, the guitar and the trumpet. He also enjoyed sharing his gift with anyone who was willing to listen and wanted to learn. His love for the piano allowed him the opportunity to play for local churches. Although he spent most of his Sunday’s at Thorn Hill Baptist Church, he also played for other local churches. Since he was brought up in a family full of music, he loved to play and sing with his family. He would often visit his sister’s house and entertain his nieces and nephew with tunes ranging from gospel to R&B to show tunes to cartoon favorites. Bryan’s illness slowed him down but it did not diminish his love for his music. He always had a radio, a CD Player or a keyboard nearby. When he first went to Heritage he became known as the piano man, because he was often found in the common area playing the piano for the other patients. Bryan’s family will always remember his amazing voice and his ability to play just about any song that he heard. Bryan was preceded in death by his brother Scott Rucker and his nephew Jonathan Fluker. He leaves his parents Jerri Rucker and Curtis and Dorothy Rucker; sister Leigh Anne (Brian) Fluker; nieces Briana and Kelly Fluker; lifelong friend Virginia Smith; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family and friends. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 3rd at Dockery-Senter Funeral Home. The funeral will follow with a celebration in song service. Burial services will be held Friday, May 4th at Hamblen Memory Gardens at 11 a.m.