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Obituary For George Ralph Rackard Sr.
George Ralph Rackard, Sr., was born on March 29, 1919 in Ocala, Florida to George and Rebecca Rackard. He was the first of three children. Mr. Rackard graduated from Howard High School in Ocala, Florida, and drafted into the Army during World War II. He served in the European Theatre and was later honorably discharged in 1945 as a staff sergeant.
After the war, he received his electrical training at Florida Normal and Industrial College in St Augustine, Florida. He settled in St. Augustine with his wife and son for the rest of his life. He operated his own business on Washington Street, repairing TVs, radios and selling records.
Mr. Rackard was a devoted Christian; he served on the Trustee Board, Finance Committee, Steward Board, Lay organization and sang in the choir at Trinity United Methodist Church. Later on, he became a member of New Mt. Moriah Christian Ministry. He was also a proud and dedicated member of the American Legion Post 194, serving wherever needed. He helped organize and was one of Station 14 Fire Department founders in West St. Augustine, subsequently serving as Fire Chief. He was employed by Fairchild Aircraft for nine years as an electrician. He retired from Florida East Coast Railway as a train locomotive electrician.
He was a man of great character and a quiet warrior. He was loved by many, and his presence in all of our lives will be greatly missed.
Mr. Rackard was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie L. Rackard and brother, William W. Rackard.
Those left to cherish his memory are: his loving and devoted son, George R. Rackard, Jr. (Rosebud); brother, David Rackard (Evelyn); grandchildren, George E. Rackard (Shmeka), Kenya R. Brantley (Robert), Patrick D. Rackard (Angel); great-grandchildren, Neila Rackard, Issachar Brantley, Alyssia Brantley, Leona Brantley, George Caleb Rackard, and My'rical Rackard; good friends the Braden family, friends of New Mt. Moriah Christian Ministry; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and the Vereen family.
The family will receive the community for a public viewing 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. on Monday, August 30, 2021 at Felix Coleman's Memorial Chapel | 308 North Main Street Hastings, Florida 32145.
The Celebration of Life services will be held 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Evergreen Cemetery | 505 North Rodriguez Street St. Augustine, Florida 32084| Pastor Anthony Dewey Britton -Officiating | Reverend Ronald Stafford - Eulogist.
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Mr Rackard, you were more than just a Client, you were like family!! I will miss you so much!! I was so thankful for all the knowledge that you shared with me. All the stories that happened around here in St Augustine, I'll never forget. What a wonderful, strong man you were, even until your last days here on this Earth. With tears in my eyes, go on and be with your brother William and reunite with your wife, Mattie, who you called, Mama. I love you Mr Rackard, Fly High Your Driver😊 Elaine 😢🙏🏾
Mr. and Mrs. Rickard were the first persons I met in St. Augustine when I moved there 40 years ago this month. Since my dad was from Ocala, he took me to meet people from Ocala/Marion County that lived in St. Augustine. The Rackards became like family to me. To Cookie, Rose and the kids,your dad and grandfather, Fire Chief Rickard was a brilliant, hardworking Christian man who loved Ms. Mattie and was well-respected by the entire community. He was a giant among men. With highest regards, Marya Latson
Rest In Peace Mr. Rackard, a positive fixture in the community, my deepest sympathy to the family he was a kind and pleasant man
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