William Wade Rackley

Wade Rackley was born on August 14, 1935 in Fort Sam Houston, Texas to Carmel Irene Buzan and Seely Wade Rackley. On May 28, 1960 he married the love of his life, Elsie Lee Royal at the Pleasanton Church of Christ. They raised two children, Melinda and Jeff.

Wade was the oldest of four brothers and grew up near many cousins. They were a large, close family who spent many holidays and weekends on Grandma and Grandpa Rackley’s farm near Devine, Texas. 

After graduating from Charlotte High School in 1954, Wade joined the United States Air Force where he served for twenty years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. For the rest of his life he saluted US soldiers and veterans with a heartfelt, “Thank you for your service.” 

After retirement from the military, Wade received his degree in Engineering from the University of Houston in Clear Lake City. He later worked for NASA, built satellite TV systems, and advised the Bolivian Air Force for Teledyne Brown. 

Wade could build and repair almost anything and always had an interesting project going in the garage. He loved to travel and saw much of the world, was fluent in Spanish, a passionate WWII history buff and an avid reader. He served as deacon or elder for several churches throughout his adult life. 

Strong, loving and helpful, Wade will be remembered as a caring husband, father, grandfather and a generous friend. He was preceded in death by his father Seely, his mother Carmel and his brother Bob. He is survived by his wife Elsie, his two children, Melinda and Jeff, his brothers Jerry and Leo, three grandchildren, Zane, Mason and Garret, and many nieces and nephews.

His easy laughter, gentle wisdom, plentiful stories, warm handshakes and hugs will be missed.

Visitation will be from 2-8 pm on Thurday, June 13 at the Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton, with the family present from 5-7 pm. Funeral services  will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 at Hurley Funereal Home at 10am, with burial to follow with military honors at the Brite Cemetery near Pleasanton. Flowers may be sent to Hurley Funeral Home, 118 West Oaklawn Road, Pleasanton, Texas 78064. Donations in Wade’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, Multiple Sclerosis Society or American Heart Association are welcome.