Clayton "C.L." Lalee Rucker, 71, passed away at Parkwest Medical Center, and went home to be with the Lord on June 25, 2012, after a long illness. Clayton was a very loved man by many people, and will be greatly missed. He was a avid Musician where he played with several bands around the McMinn County area. He worked for 25 years at Thomas and Betts in Athens as a tool and dye setter, forced to retire after a severe heart attack. He was a loyal member of the Starr Mountain Church of Christ, for many years. Survivors include his beloved wife of 50 years, Carolyn Jo Rucker; Mother, Mary Sue Rucker; 3 daughters, Annette Elliotte, Deborah Bales and Rebecca Rucker;4 granddaughters and spouses, Kayla and John Long, Candice Bales, Ashley and Charlie Pendleton and Brystal Bales; 1 great-grandson, John David Long; Siblings, Joe, Paul, Albert and Kay. Special mention, Brandon Raper, the son he never had and Stephany Turner, loved her like a daughter. Preceded in death by infant son, David Lalee Rucker and father, Walter Paul Rucker.Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 28, 2012, in the South Chapel, of Bordwine Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Ingram and Minister Pat Wilson officiating and will proceed to Liberty Hill Cemetery for the committal service. Family will receive friends, Wednesday, June 27th from 6 to 8 p.m., in the South Chapel. Keith Hamby, Michael Rucker, Tim Rucker, Brady Guy, Marty Turner and J.T. Hawkins will serve as pallbearers. Brandon Lynn, Will White, Bronze Cowart and Cole Sitzlar will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah is in charge of arrangements.