October 2, 2026
Pastor Dewey "Lamar" Rackley passed away on July 18, 2026, at the age of 78. He was born on September 10, 1947, in Dallas, Georgia, to the late Dewey Marvin and Georgia Rackley. Lamar lived a life dedicated to his faith and the service of others as a devoted pastor. His unwavering commitment to his ministry touched the lives of countless individuals and families within the community.
After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, including 13.5 months in South Korea, Lamar pursued his passion for theology at Tennessee Temple University, where he earned his bachelor's degree. His journey in faith began at New Canaan Baptist Church in Dallas, Georgia, serving as the Bus Ministry Director. He then became an associate pastor at Youth Baptist Church in Powder Springs, Georgia, and then at Calvary Baptist Church in Hampton, Georgia, where he taught and coached Christian Schools. His career then blossomed into a 29-year commitment to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Powder Springs, Georgia, where he served as Senior Pastor. Following his time at Pleasant Hill, he served as Senior Pastor at Cheatham Hill Baptist Church in Powder Springs, Georgia. Afterward, he was Interim Pastor at Central Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia, before becoming the care pastor at Villa Rica First Baptist Church in Villa Rica, Georgia, for 6 years. Lamar's true calling was his long-standing involvement with Mediterranean Baptist Missions, where he spent over 30 years, particularly in Egypt. He inspired many by taking fellow pastors to the Holy Land on numerous occasions, making the trip over ten times himself.
Lamar was not just a dedicated pastor but also a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Rackley, their children, Tim (Scarlett) Rackley, Brian (Lori) Rackley, and Milinda Gail (Jimmy) Wright, and his cherished grandchildren, Kyndall Rackley, Keelyn "Georgie" Rackley, Kayden Rackley, Brianna Rackley, Watters Rackley, Austin (Breayna) Sprayberry, Ayden Sprayberry, Autumn (Grayson) Helton, and Shayla (Jarett) Walker. Coming soon would be Lamar's first great-grandchild, Cade Helton. He also leaves behind his brother Terry Rackley, sister Ann Harris, brother-in-law Leonard (Sheila) Chambers, brother-in-law Jerry (Joyce) Chambers, and several nieces and nephews. Lamar will be fondly remembered for his servant's heart, his passion for his faith, and the love he showed to everyone around him.
The family will receive friends at Clark Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church, 5145 Due West Road, NW, Powder Springs, Georgia, 30127, with Dr. Jerry Vines, Dr. Kevin Williams, Rev. Jeff Powell, and Rev. Ricky Bice officiating. Lamar will be placed in the church at 1:00 PM. The family asks that all Pastors attending the service sit together as honorary pallbearers. Friends and family are invited to come and pay their respects as we celebrate the remarkable life of Lamar.
He will be laid to rest at Georgia National Cemetery on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM with Pastor Leonard Chambers officiating, followed by Air Force military honors. Pallbearers will be Tim Rackley, Brian Rackley, Terry Rackley, Watters Rackley, Austin Sprayberry, and Ayden Sprayberry.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Brianna Rackley C.O.T.A. Fund. You may contribute directly by using this link: https://cota.org/cotaforteambriannar/
This was dear to Lamar's heart, this fund will continue to contribute to Brianna's care.
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