Eddie Ward Rackley, age 78, went to heaven on Saturday, May 11, 2013. He was born in Nash County on March 24, 1935 to the late Raymond H. and Burla Smith Rackley. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Ossie Rackley, Raymond Rackley Jr., Harold Rackley, and Jack Rackley, and his sisters, Lessie Mae Matthews and Dollie Gray Proctor.
He proudly served his country in the Army and although he had a few different jobs over the years, his last job became his passion. For the past 18 years, he was a dedicated employee of Tri County Industries and continued working until his death. Eddie was known as a genius when it came to building and making things to assist the clients of Tri County.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 57 years, Dorothy Ann Proctor Rackley, his daughter, Kimberly Ann Rackley, three grandchildren, Travis Johnson and his wife, Kelly, Meghan Ballance and her husband, C. W., and Corey Johnson, and four great-grandchildren, Roan Wachowicz, Liam Ballance, Lukas Ballance, and Mia Ballance. He also leaves to cherish his memory his brother Glenn Allen Rackley and his sister Carol Proctor and her husband Bill, his sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Rackley, Helen Rackley, and Betty Rackley, and several nieces and nephews who loved him very much.
Eddie was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He and his wife were soul-mates whose love will never fade. For his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren he was a protector, teacher, confidant, and counselor. He was their hero.
The family would like to thank Dr. Crocker and Dr. Bowman and their staff, as well as the 5th floor, CCU, and 4th floor nursing staff of Nash Health Care Systems for their exceptional and compassionate care. They made this difficult time a little more bearable.
The family will receive friends and family on Tuesday, May 14, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and the family on Wednesday, May 15, following the service. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Flowers and/or donations can be made to either Tri County Industries or the American Lung Association.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Tuesday 5/14, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Wednesday 5/15, 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Lit a candle in memory of Eddie Ward Rackley
I met Eddie in 1970 through the hobby of motorcycling. At that time we both worked jobs that had odd days off. Also we could trade time at our jobs. When one of us would have some time off we would plan a trip. Our first trip was to Maggie Valley where his brother Allen worked. We took several trips after that and always had a good time. After I moved away from Rocky Mount I would try to visit him and Ann when I could. I value the time I spent with him. He was a true friend and he will be missed by many. Freddy Harper Jackson,NC
Sending our thoughts and prayers during this time.
to the rackley family we were very saddened to hear the passing of such a wonderful man he will be truly missed by us please let us know if yall need anything and yall are shelterd in gods arms we love yall the barnes family
Few things in life will ever affect us more deeply than the death of a loved one. Afterwards, you may have to be contending with a range of emotions that you never before experienced. Death affects each person differently. Indeed, the Bible says that each one has his own plague & his own pain.(2 Chron. 629) Crying is not a sign of weakness. Even such strong men as Abraham, Joseph, David, & Jesus shed tears when they were grieving.- Gen. 232; Gen. 501; 2 Samuel 111,12; Samuel 1833; John 1135. Grief can be like waves that crashed ashore at unexpected moments. This is normaleven if it occurs years after your loved ones death. Dont hold back the tears! Crying helps ease the pain of grief. People grief in different ways. The important thing is this If you feel tears welling up, realize that it may be A time to weep (Ecc. 34) Jesus Christ was a perfect man who had strong faith in God. Yet, he Gave way to tears over the death of his friend, Lazarous. (John 1135) We can find much comfort through the help of the Bible. In time the grief will ease & you will be able to carry on, from one day to the next. I hope that these words will help you in your time of need