Mr. Paul Joseph Rucker

Obituary For Mr. Paul Joseph Rucker

Paul Joseph Rucker
May 31, 1966- Sept. 28, 2025

Paul Joseph Rucker was a gentle spirit that lived as big as his heart -his was a pure spirit that saw another person's soul instead of their color, class or economic status.

He was a genius in the truest sense of the word- a child prodigy who learned to play piano by ear at 8 years old and by 11, was winning national piano competitions. As a teenager, he would pick up any instrument and play-Jazz on a saxophone or classical Spanish guitar.

He was born with a curious mind and was naturally drawn to science. Instead of sports, he loved keeping bees ,raising tropical fish, and a deep love of music. He also loved riding bikes, finding his freedom and independence on two wheels.

At 17, he biked across Holland. then all across NC while studying at NC State.

Paul earned a bachelor in Science at NC State and earned his masters in MicroBiology at the University of Southern Illinois. He was employed at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC- working in cancer research. He also taught science for the Mecklenburg County school system.

Ultimately - he decided he liked car mechanics best, often comparing a car to the human body. He was a mobile mechanic all over Charlotte- primarily in the Derita, Central Ave and The Plaza communities. Paul loved helping people and often did repairs for free or very little money for clients that would not have been able to afford the repairs otherwise. In his own words “ he was the baddest mechanic in the world”

Paul was also challenged with mental illness and addiction, but it didn’t define who he was- it was just part of his path on this earth. He saw the world through child-like eyes, and didn't feel any danger in the sense that most of us do.

The last few months of life had become very hard for Paul, but like most of his life-resilience, faith and his unstoppable life force kept him going. He became closer with his “Pastor Tim” and was determined to change his life for the better through Tim's friendship and his church.

Paul’s community spans hundreds of people that he helped. They loved him for his kindness, gentleness, humor and “being a man of his word-- ALWAYS picking up his phone for calls no matter what time of night - many times he would go out and fix a car off the highway for a friend.
To have Paul in your life was a blessing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Janice and Robert Rucker, his sister, LeAnne Rucker and is survived by his husband Kevin Melody, His best friend, LeLand McClellan, his sister Christine Rucker Putnam, and his brother Robert P Rucker.

A memorial service will be held this Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11:00 am at Sugaw Presbyterian Church at 101 W. Sugar Creek Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28213

Parker Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.