of O'Fallon, IL
September 20, 1939 - April 26, 2022
John Edwin ''Ed'' Rackley, Jr., was born September 20, 1939, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and went home to be with his Savior on April 26, 2022, age 82, in O'Fallon, Illinois.
Ed lived in Little Rock for most of his life, and together with his wife of 62 years raised their family. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1957 and also from Little Rock University in 1962 with a degree in accounting. He earned his CPA in 1972 and worked for the Internal Revenue Service for 30 years. He honorably served in the Arkansas Army National Guard from 1956 to 1966.
Ed professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized in 1959. He served faithfully at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, actively participated in choir, taught Sunday School, did mission work, and served others in many ways. He enjoyed camping, singing quartet music, traveling, and ministering to others. He loved his family and his friends and enjoyed spending time with them. He was known for his faith, generosity, and friendly outgoing personality: he never met a stranger.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine J. Rackley; his parents, John E. Rackley and Bertha J. Rackley; brother, Max L. Rackley; and sister, Nita B. Pertain. He is survived by his children: Edwin Rackley of Los Angeles, California; Alan Rackley of Little Rock; Jeanette (Jeffrey) Gulick of O'Fallon, Illinois; and Phillip Rackley of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ed was blessed with four grandchildren: Josiah (Kimberly) Gulick, John (Suzanna) Gulick, Jenna Gulick, and Jacob Gulick, plus three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, 12400 I-30, Little Rock. Visitation begins at 9:30 AM, service at 10:30 AM, followed by a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home.
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9 Condolence(s)
PAMELA STEIN TRIMBLE
Saturday, August 13, 2022
So sorry to hear of your fathers death, I so enjoyed visiting with your mother and dad when
they were here in Hot Springs.
Prayers are with you and your family.
Pam
Martino Marchetti
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Very sad for your lost Edwin Alan. Was a Good Dad and man. Was good with me to.
Bart Naylor
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Phil, sorry to hear about your loss. “Big Ed†will be missed by many! ðŸ™ðŸ»
Anne Maxey
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Phil…so sorry to see that your dad has died. I know he will be missed. My thoughts and sympathy are with you and your family.
Steve Partain
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Through the years, I would receive a call from Uncle Eddie and he would chide me about upcoming Arkansas and A&M games. He sent me a Razorback hat and I sent him an Aggie hat. Whomever's team would lose, we would have to wear the opponent's cap. I ended up wearing the Razorback cap a lot more than he wore my team's colors. He had a great sense of humor and always made me laugh. I will miss those calls. A truly wonderful man in all aspects of his life as evidenced by his supportive and loving family. Now God has called this kind and gentle man back home to be with his beloved Katherine.
Robert and Kathy Johnson
Friday, April 29, 2022
Jeanette, Phil, Alan, and Edwin, Robert and I send our condolences during this time of loss of your dad. We loved him and your mom!! They were special friends at GSFBC and befriended us as a newly married couple when we first attended. He was, and is, a special man---but you already know this!! I know you look forward to seeing him and your mom again, a promise for those in Christ! Sending our prayers for you all.
Coulette Kuespert
Friday, April 29, 2022
Dear Jeanette, Phil, Alan and Edwin,
Your cousin Dennis & I are sending our sympathy to you all. May our Lord fill you with His love, peace and comfort.
Your Daddy was so much fun to be around when your parents came to visit your Uncle Max. You could see the Joy of The Lord beaming through him. I will never forget his definition of B-U-F-F-E-T and his “Dog Jawâ€. He always made me laugh and smile. The good news is that we will see both of your parents in eternity.
Much Love,
Dennis & Coulette Kuespert
Eric and Joanie Sanders
Friday, April 29, 2022
Philip so sorry for the loss of your dad! Such a tough stage in life to power through, but praying the memories and love will fill your life with happiness and peace! ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ’™
Joanie & Eric
Shelley Trusty
Friday, April 29, 2022
We are so very sorry for this loss and praying for God to give His comfort, grace and peace as you walk through this time.
I have so many wonderful memories of Mr Rackley. He was a wonderful, fun-loving man who had a heart for Jesus and others. I know he will be missed.
With Love,
Shelley Trusty