Linda Rucker O'Bannon, 80, Dies; Funeral and Burial Dates Announced

Linda Rucker O'Bannon, also listed as Linda Carol O'Bannon, died peacefully Friday February 20, 2026 at Stones River Manor, Murfreesboro Tennessee, under Hospice care by Gentiva. Family and friends were by her side, according to an obituary posted by Oakdale Funeral Home.

Born November 21, 1945 in Kilmichael Mississippi to the late Ernest and Katherine Rucker, O'Bannon pursued pharmacy education at the University of Mississippi. The obituary states, “Encouraged by her older brother Bill, and following his steps, Linda attended The University of Mississippi, School of Pharmacy. She was exceptional, worked full time to pay for college and graduated with honors.”

While a student at the University of Mississippi she met Charles (Chuck) O'Bannon; the two married on December 11, 1983. The obituary notes family losses that preceded her: “She was preceded in death by her beloved Husband, Charles (Chuck) O'Bannon, her parents, Ernest and Katherine Rucker, her brother William (Bill) Rucker and sisters Beverly Braswell and Rena Beth Burton.”

The obituary emphasizes O'Bannon's ties to the Camden/Decatur area, Parsons and Oxford. “Linda loved spending time with family and friends! Most important was time at their condo in Oxford or home in Parsons sharing a great meal and great times. Shopping the "Square" in Oxford" finds at shops, food to salivate over and the right cocktail to finish the day with. An exceptional "hostess" a kindness unmatched, she ALWAYS made you feel welcomed!” the funeral-home posting says.

Visitation and funeral arrangements are set for this week at Oakdale Funeral Home in Parsons. The obituary gives the schedule precisely: “Visitation will be Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with Service at 11:00 AM at Oakdale Funeral Home, Parsons Tennessee. Interment at Ridgecrest Cemetery in Jackson, TN at 2:00 PM.”

The family has requested memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. “In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, to further the education of all females in the practice of pharmacology,” the obituary instructs. Oakdale Funeral Home posted the obituary and is handling local arrangements for the Parsons service and the Jackson interment.