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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