Jerry Rackley

Jerry Rackley, 84, left his earthly body to be at home with the LORD Thursday, April 30. 2020. He was born September 8, 1935 to James Alfred & Pauline Hudson Rackley on a farm at Judsonia, Arkansas. He graduated from Judsonia High School in 1953, moved to St. Louis to work for McDonnell Aircraft. November 5, 1956, he married Wanda Joyce Hoggard in Moline, Illinois and they moved to San Diego, California where he worked for Rohr Corp. During the next 15 years he helped build the prototype for the BART that ran in a tunnel under the San Francisco Bay. He was cleared for top secret work at Lockheed’s Skunk Works on the SR-71 Blackbird. During the 15 years in San Diego he became the father of a son and 2 daughters. He was also a counselor at 2 Billy Graham Crusades. His life took a turn in 1971 when he moved to Jonesboro with his family. His first job was with Flintrol and then Lee Mfg. Finally, in 1976 he opened Ace Tool & Mfg. and retired from there in 2005. He became active in working with youth in the Goobertown 4-H Club and in the state 4-H foundation. His service for the LORD was always a part of his life after being born again in 1956: a deacon in Fairmount Baptist Church, San Diego, an ordained elder in Trinity Church and in Calvary Chapel, both in Jonesboro. He served on several church building committees and as chairman of the board for the Craighead Nursing Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charlie, Romine, Claude and James; sisters, Ruby, Mary, Della and Ann as well as one grandson, Caleb Rackley.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Wanda; son, Michael (Sherry) Rackley of Brookland; daughters, Donna (A.C.) Williams and Susan (David) Williams of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Cassie Knipe, Secret Doss, Lacie Midkiff, Taylor Trussell, Cole Williams and Lane Sharp; great-grandchildren, Caleb Knipe, Chloe Knipe, Phoenix Doss and Ryker Midkiff; a niece, Paula Brunke and several other nieces & nephews.

His family wishes to thank the care givers at Craighead Nursing Center and the doctors, nurses, CNAs and others at St. Bernards Hospital and hospice who ministered to his needs. A special thanks to all who prayed for Jerry & his family and gave words of encouragement.

For lasting memorials, please consider The Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House and Gideons International.

For those not able to make it to the service, it can be viewed via the Emerson Funeral Home Facebook page starting at 3pm Saturday May 2nd, 2020.