Jerry Rucker honored for years of service to Rome Christmas Parade

Tuesday, December 9, 2025–10:10 a.m.

-David Crowder, WRGA News-

For more than 50 years, Jerry Rucker has been an integral part of Rome’s Christmas Parade.

Rucker, who is retiring from the parade committee, was recognized during Monday’s Rome City Commission meeting.

When the Rome-Floyd Chamber of Commerce ended its sponsorship of the parade in 1989, Rucker organized an independent parade committee, which has kept the annual holiday event going since then, undaunted by weather and even COVID-19.

During the pandemic, a drive-by parade was organized that saw over 6,000 vehicles drive through the parking lot at AdventHealth Stadium, then State Mutual Stadium.

Rucker thanked those who have helped him over the years.

“There is a lady here today that I have got to recognize,” he said. “She came aboard 41 years ago, when I didn’t have anybody to help. I was walking up and down the streets and trying to put this thing together with Lonie Adcock, who did have communication at that time because he had a two-way with the police department, and we could walk. But I could not go further if I did not recognize Janet Byington.”

Rucker also thanked his wife.

“Of course, everybody says that somebody has to always be the wind beneath your wings,” he added. “She has been with me all of these years and supported everything we have tried to do.”

Rucker said the future of the parade is in good hands with Doug Walker and Kim Wright.

“These two people will continue this parade as we have for so many years,” he said.