Elwood Rucker, affectionately known as “Woody,” “El” or “Pop”, passed away on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 at Vitas Hospice. He was 84.

Born on September 3, 1928, he was the eldest of two children born to the late Mozell Rucker in King William County, Virginia.

After obtaining his early education in Virginia, he migrated to Philadelphia, where he attended Bok Vocational School.   Elwood joined the United States Army and served in the Korean War.

Upon his honorable discharge, he was employed by the Philadelphia International Airport for 12 years and the City of Philadelphia, Department of Streets for 33 years. He was devoted to his family and community. Elwood was the caregiver for his mother and aunts in their senior years.

As a resident of West Philadelphia and South Philadelphia, he served as block captain for several decades. Although he lived most of his adult life in Philadelphia, he never forgot his Virginia roots.

He was a lifelong member of Providence Baptist Church in Aylett, Va. and he faithfully attended revivals and homecoming services.

Preceded in death by his mother, Mozell, Aunt Mattie Trent and a host of other aunts, uncles and cousins, he is survived by his friend, caretaker and wife, Doris Rucker of Philadelphia; a sister, Jeanne Watson, of St. Paul, Minn.; two children from a previous union, son, Anthony Rucker (Tina) of Mercerville, N.J.; daughter, Gina Ray of Philadelphia; and two grandsons, Anthony David Vail of Hartford, Conn. and Lamar Ray of Philadelphia. Additionally, he is survived by a loving extended family including many brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

A viewing will be held Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Slater Funeral Home, 1426 Fitzwater St. A homegoing service will be held on Dec.15 at 3 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church, 4570 Dorrell Road., Aylett, Va. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Provident Baptist Church Building Fund and Missionary, 4570 Dorrell Road, Aylett, VA 23009.