James Calvin Rackley

James Calvin Rackley died May 5, 2011 at his home. He was born November 15, 1920 to James Carl and Annie Henderson Rackley in Pontotoc County. He was a ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church of America and a member of Maple Drive Presbyterian Church, where he taught Sunday School for many years.

He was active in the 31st Division Association, serving as director for many years. He was a member of the Pontotoc Masonic Lodge, OES, Shriners, York and Scottish Rites. He was a member of the American Legion and Pontotoc Historical Society.

He served in the Air Force Engineers for three years during WWII, with overseas duty in Germany and Belgium, earning three battle stars. He was a member of the Pontotoc’s National Guard Field Artillery Unit during the Korean Conflict.

He ran the turkey business that his parents had begun until 1959 when he accepted a job as salesman and service engineer for Barker Poultry Equipment Company. For over thirty years he traveled all over the western hemisphere in his work.

He was beloved by his family and friends.

Services will be at 11 AM Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc with Rev. David Smith officiating; burial will follow in the Pontotoc Memorial Gardens. Browning Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of seventy years, Kathlyn Purdon Rackley, a daughter Joyce Odom (Reg) of Pontotoc, one son Mark Rackley (Kitty) of McDonald, PA, a daughter-in-law: Alice Tumberlinson Rackley of Pontotoc, MS, eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, one brother: Ruffin I. Rackley (Martha) of Anacortes, WA and a sister, Dorothy P. Rackley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son James Victor “Jim” Rackley, a grandson, James Victor “Tory” Rackley, Jr., and two brothers, Louis Earl Rackley and David Henderson Rackley.

Pallbearers will be: Harold Hodges, Bruce McCoy, Joe Tynes, David Anderson, Karl Nelson and Toby Winston and Bill Galloway will serve as an Honorary Pallbearer.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM Friday and from 10 to 11 AM Saturday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be offered at www.Browningpontotoc.com