James Mebane Carlyle Rackley

James Mebane Carlyle Rackley, 82, of Kings Mountain, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 15, 2019. He was born December 1, 1936 in Wilmington, NC to the late Dannie Wells and Lorena Frances Rackley.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Larry Joe Rackley; sisters, Minnie Rackley Sutton, Bessie Rackley Sutton, Grace Rackley Matthews and Lizzie Rackley Smith; and brothers, Dewie Rackley, WT "Buddy" Rackley and Luke Rackley.

James, known as "Jimmy" to his family and friends, was a man who loved God, family and his country. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and National Guard. James worked hard in life providing for his family as a professional truck driver, in security and as a school bus driver. He loved sports and was a big fan of the UNC Tarheel Basketball and the New York Yankees baseball teams.

James' love for God and music led him to form a gospel singing group with the talents of his young family known as "The Singing Rackley Family". They traveled all over ministering the gospel in song. Only eternity will be able to reveal all the lives that were touched through this singing ministry and by being faithful to the call of God.

He leaves behind to mourn and celebrate his life, Helen Comer Rackley, a devoted wife of 58 years; his six children: daughters, Joni Rackley Keith and husband, Brian of Monroe, NC, Wendy L. Rackley of Winnabow, NC, Lola Rackley Brooks of Gastonia, NC and Jamie R. Rackley of Kings Mountain, NC and sons, James Daniel Rackley of Clover, SC and Joel Rackley and wife, Monica of Sharpsburg, GA; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Rachel Rackley Colby of Ocala, FL; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of cherished family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Sunrise Baptist Church, 208 Mail Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. Burial will take place at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain with military honors at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project by mail to: P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, online at: www.woundedwarriorproject.org or by phone: 1.855.448.3997.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.palmettofh.com.

Palmetto Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Mill, SC (803.802.7788) is honored to assist the Rackley family.

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