In Memory of

Joseph

Franklin

Rackley

Obituary for Joseph Franklin Rackley

Joseph Franklin (Frank) Rackley, 90, of Brevard passed away peacefully at the Veteran’s Home Black Mountain, NC on Monday, April 2, 2018. "We know that when we look up into the heavens...that you will be smiling down on us".
Born in Easley, SC on Nov 9, 1927, Frank was the oldest of six children. He was the son of the late Joseph Floyd Rackley and Jewel Johnson Rackley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Velma Lakey Rackley, an infant son Joseph Charles Rackley, brothers Donald, Reuben and Robert Rackley, sister Clara Rackley Cothran.
He was married to Velma Lakey on April 4 1948. They resided in Brevard, NC for the remainder of their life together, happily married 61 years. He went to Heaven to reunite together 2 days prior to their anniversary which would have been 70 years together.
Frank’s family moved to Brevard, NC from Easley, SC when Frank was 10 years old. Frank taught himself to play the guitar at a young age and enjoyed playing traditional blue grass and gospel music his whole life. Frank organized a band, The Dixie Ramblers, and played at many events around Transylvania County and other counties in Western North Carolina. Frank started work at Ecusta Paper at the age of 16 and continued working there for 45 years until retirement. He was of Baptist Faith and was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church of Brevard, NC. Frank also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Europe during his deployment.
Survivors include his daughter Deborah Rackley Schlunz (Jim) of Winston-Salem, NC, grandson Samuel Schlunz of Raleigh, NC, granddaughter, Kate Schlunz of New York, NY, brother, James Aubrey Rackley of Lake Toxaway, NC and sister-in law, Faye Lakey Cole (Max) of Knoxville, TN and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 3pm, Saturday, April 7, 2018 in the chapel of Moody-Connolly Life Celebrations. The family will receive friends from 1pm until 2:45pm prior to the service. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Brevard, NC, 133 Osborne Rd, Brevard, NC 28712.
Online condolences can be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.
Moody-Connolly Life Celebrations, 181 S. Caldwell Street, Brevard, NC 28712.