And we again lose another great man and friend.
- Julie Krueger, SCR EVP
- Feb 26
- 2 min read
A Tribute to Al Rucker
It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our dear friend, Al Rucker. Al's spirit was as bright as the twinkle in his eye and as warm as the smile that never seemed to fade from his face. Whether he was behind the wheel of a boat or simply sharing a laugh, Al had a way of making everyone feel welcome. His strawberry blonde hair and the spark in his eyes always suggested he was up to something fun, and, more often than not, he was—especially when he was driving a boat.
Al’s was a great contributor to the world of waterskiing. He served as the Chief Driver for the 1990 US Nationals in Sacramento, California. Al was a favorite among the pros as he pulled several pro circuits. But it wasn't just about the big events for Al. He was just as comfortable pulling a local C tournament for junior girls jumping as he was navigating a professional competition. His ability to connect with everyone—whether they were seasoned pros or young up-and-comers—was one of the many reasons he was so beloved in the waterskiing community.
I had the privilege of skiing with Al in the mid-1990s at his home on Cleary Lake in Florence, Mississippi. It was a time I will never forget, and I am forever grateful for the memories created on that lake and the friendships shared there.
Beyond his passion for waterskiing, Al was a devoted husband. The joy in his life was reflected in the way he made his wife laugh. Her smile, as brilliant as his own, was a true testament to the deep love they shared. Al was a great family man to his son, Brian “Catfish,” his daughter, Christina, and the extended families they built. Al’s love was boundless. Al was, in every sense of the word, a good man and a good friend. His laughter, warmth, and unwavering kindness will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
As we say goodbye, I take comfort in knowing that Al is now surrounded by some of the great waterskiing friends he's made over the years. I imagine him up there, giving them the greatest pull of all, making sure that the fun never stops.
Rest in peace, Al. You’ve left a mark on this world that will never fade, and you will be missed more than words can express.
Prayers and love to Joyce, Catfish, and Christina. He was an amazing man behind the wheel of the boat. When everything was driven manually, he was spot on. Always encouraging the skier behind the boat after every pass. As a parent of 2 young skiers, it was a relief to know Al was pulling their event. It just didn't get any better.