Lee T. “Tommy” Rooker, Sr., Youngstown, Ohio

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Mr. Lee Thompson Rooker, Sr., 98 of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, formerly of Youngstown, Ohio, peacefully entered into eternal rest Sunday, December 7, 2025, at TriStar Summit Medical Center in Nashville.

Mr. Rucker, affectionately known as “Tommy,” was born November 28, 1927, in Elberton, Georgia, the son of Robert and Alice Thompson Rucker. Lee was one of ten children.

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At age 13, he moved from Georgia to Youngstown, Ohio, embracing hard work early on and a deep love for his family that guided every step of his life. That sense of responsibility, strength and quiet perseverance shaped the man and remained evident throughout his long life.

While in Youngstown, Lee met the love of his life, Marian Gidney, and together they built a beautiful marriage based on faith, devotion, and generosity. Their union lasted until Marion’s death and continues to live on through the generations they raised.

A dedicated worker and respected presence in his community, Lee began as a truck driver and later became a supervisor, after more than 25 years of service. He worked at Youngstown Country Club for more than 20 years, where he was known for his warm spirit, kindness and steadfast professionalism.

Lee’s faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He was a devoted member of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Struthers, his son, the late Pastor Lee T. Rooker, Jr. faithfully worshiped. Before joining Pilgrim, he served for many years at Centenary United Methodist Church in Youngstown, where he was a devoted usher who greeted others with kindness. He was also a proud member of the Masons, Covenant Lodge 59, devoting many years to the fraternity and the values ​​it represents.

A man rich in both skill and heart, Lee loved gardening, cooking, was famous for his famous pound and carrot cakes (a staple at gatherings and a sweet symbol of caring for others) and neighborhood handyman. A true sports enthusiast, she spent many Sunday afternoons watching sports, in her final days she enjoyed playing pool, coloring and drawing, and sewing.

Lee will be remembered as a family hero, who handled life’s challenges with grace, loved without hesitation and remained sharp, witty and full of spirit in his later years. His legacy is etched in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many others who were blessed by his presence.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Sharon (Winfred) Bourne of Lebanon, Tennessee; her brother, Ulysses Rucker of Youngstown; grandchildren, Jamie (Jenna) Rucker, Harold (Joey) Rucker, Jr., Deanna (William) Dobbins, Alton (Tamara) Johnson, III, Gregory (Jasmine) Bourne and Travis Bourne; grandchildren and great-grandchildren across the country, daughters-in-law, Dorothy “Dee” Rucker of Girard, Ohio and Yvonne Rucker of Charlotte, North Carolina; brother-in-law, Willard (Michelle) Gidney of Youngstown; along with a loving host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, neighbors and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marion, whom he married on June 6, 1952 and who died on April 4, 2016; His sons, Harold Rooker, Sr. and Lee T. Rooker, Jr.; His parents and siblings, Eberhart, James, Lish “LH”, David Vernon, Julian, Bobby Downer, Willie Sue Banks and Alethea Gaither.

The family is forever grateful for the loving care provided by Pat and Jim Green, Pastor Mark and First Lady Sandra Parks and Pilgrim Baptist Church family, Judy Gidney, Rehabilitation Facility-Windsor House Liberty, Rutland Place Senior Facility and its therapy staff. The residents of Park Vista, who always looked after him, the compassionate nurses at TriStar Summit Medical Center and Gentiva Hospice Care.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 67 McClure Street, Struthers, OH 44471. A celebration of life will follow at 11:00 p.m.

Comfort, Love & Dignity Ministries entrusted to LE Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

To honor the deep love and legacy he left, we share this scripture: “Children are the crown of the old; and the glory of the children are their fathers.” — Proverbs 17:6 (KJV)

Send flowers to the family or Lee T. To plant a tree in memory of “Tommy” Rooker, Sr., please visit our flower store.

The televised tribute will air on Thursday, December 18 at the following approximate times: 7:10 am on FOX, 12:22 pm on WKBN, 5:08 pm on MyYTV and 7:27 pm on WYTV. The video will be posted here on the day of the broadcast.

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