James H. Rackley

James Harrison Rackley

James H. Rackley, 93, passed away on Sunday, December 09, 2012, at Langdale Hospice House after a brief illness. He was born on April 25, 1919 near Ty Ty, Georgia to the late Edna Whitfield and Charles Harrison Rackley.

He retired in 1985 from Owens Illinois where he worked as a maintenance planner and dispatcher. A veteran of World War II, he saw duty in British Columbia and Alaska where he served in the construction of the Alaska Highway. Afterwards, he saw duty in the Pacific Theater serving in Hawaii and Iowa Jima until the War's end. He received the bronze star.

He attended Valdosta High School and Massey Business College in Jacksonville, Florida where he was employed by International Harvester Corporation. An avid Georgia football fan, he loved playing all types of sports. Tennis, however, was his passion. He enjoyed playing with family and friends until the age of 86. As the spiritual leader of his family he loved serving the Lord and was an active member of Greenwood Baptist Church where he was a deacon.

His family was the joy of his life. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 65 years, Irene Corbett Rackley. His love for his family was evident to all who knew him. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Brenda Register of Valdosta, and Terrie (Marvin) Head of Douglasville, Georgia, one son, Jerry (Marsha) Rackley of Valdosta, two grandchildren Misty (Bo) Yeargan of Ray City and Justin (Ashley) Rackley of Valdosta, two great-granddaughters, Savannah Rueff of Ray City and Anna Logan Yeargan of Baxley and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Eston Rackley and Norman E. Rackley, sister, Blanche Rackley Simms and son-in-law, Ray S. Register.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 12, at Sardis Baptist Church in Echols County with interment at Carter Cemetery. Rev. Clyde Stokes, Rev. Brett Jarriell and Donald Summers will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Donations may be made to Langdale Hospice House, 2263 Pineview Dr. Valdosta, GA 31602. Condolences may be made online at www.mclanecares.com.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602