Tracy Aubrey Maness

Tracy Aubrey Maness, 93, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, scholarship, and unwavering devotion to his family and country. Born on June 13, 1932, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Tracy grew up in the close-knit community of Massey Hill. He was the son of Millie Edge Maness and Tracy Archie Maness, and was preceded in death by his beloved brother, James Horace Maness. Tracy met the love of his life, Evelyn Jacqueline “Jackie” Stamey, during high school at Pilgrim Bible College in Kernersville, NC, where he also earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree. The two married on June 6, 1953, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, integrity, and steadfast commitment.

A lifelong learner, Tracy continued his studies at Wilmington College in Ohio, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Duke University, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Long Island University, and ultimately completed a Doctorate in Family Counseling at Howard University. His profound dedication to education shaped his ministry, his counseling work, and the way he guided others with both intellect and compassion.

In his early career, Tracy worked as a grade-school teacher before entering the ministry in 1957, pastoring Methodist churches in Ohio and North Carolina. In 1961, he answered the call for ministers to volunteer to join the U.S. military, beginning a distinguished 24-year Army career as a Chaplain. He served two tours in Vietnam: the first with the 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, and the second with the 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry. Post-retirement, he was called back to active service during Desert Storm in 1991.

Tracy was awarded 17 medals for his service, including three Bronze Stars, three Air Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with five Battle Stars, the Legion of Merit, and two Presidential Unit Citations, recognizing his extraordinary courage and devotion.

One of the highlights of his career was serving as the Director of the Holistic Health & Wellness Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he integrated mind, body, and spirit in the care of service members. Tracy retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, closing a military chapter defined by bravery, integrity, and service.

After his military retirement, Tracy continued his life’s work as a family therapist at the Methodist Home for Children, touching countless lives through his wisdom and gentle guidance. He remained an active member of his church community, teaching Sunday School for several decades at Benson Memorial United Methodist Church, where his insight and warmth enriched the lives of many.

Tracy was an avid golfer, a lifelong sports enthusiast, and—in his younger years—an accomplished fast-pitch softball player. He cultivated a deep interest in genealogy and took great pride in his Scottish heritage, learning to play the bagpipes and tracing his family roots back to the 1700s in the Orkney Islands. He was a proud member of Clan Gunn and served as a Chaplain in the Knights Templar, reflecting both his heritage and his calling.

Above all, Tracy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Maness; daughters Lynn Wawrzyniak (husband Mike) and Kassandra Smith (husband Eric); son Andy Maness (wife Heather); grandchildren Stacia Busch, Lauren Wawrzyniak, Molly Jones, Mandy Crowell, Townshend Phelps, and Alexandria Escobedo; and five great-grandchildren, all of whom were deeply cherished.

Tracy’s life was defined by courage, compassion, intellect, and unwavering faith. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the family he loved, and the example he set as a man of integrity and heart. He will be interred, with full military honors, in the Chaplain’s Corner of Arlington National Cemetery.

A visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Benson Memorial United Methodist Church, with Rev. Alan Felton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Benson Memorial United Methodist Church, 4706 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612 and Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 at the links below.

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