Norman Ray Rackliff

Norman was a proud United States Army veteran who honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. His dedication to service remained an important part of the man he was throughout his life. Following his military service, Norman built a life characterized by hard work, determination, and an ability to make things work with his own two hands. He worked as a construction contractor and, through years of hands-on experience, knowledge, and expertise eventually afforded him the professional credentials of an engineer. Norman was also involved with Oklahoma Home and Community Education and generously volunteered his time within his community. Whether he was working, volunteering, helping someone in need, or simply spending time with those closest to him, Norman left his mark on the people around him.

When Norman wasn’t working, he enjoyed the things that made life interesting. He loved coon hunting and spent many memorable nights in the woods listening for the dogs to track and tree, and enjoying the company of those alongside him. He also enjoyed cockfighting and the competition and camaraderie surrounding it. These were longtime interests that became part of the many stories his family and friends will continue to tell about him.

Above all else, Norman's greatest legacy was his family. He was blessed with a family that grew to span many generations, and the countless lives connected to his own are a testament to the life he built and the people he loved.

Norman is survived by his wife, Katherine (McCuen) Rackliff; his sons, Bryan Rackliff of Hulbert, Oklahoma, Jesse Rackliff of Ochelata, Oklahoma, Cody Rackliff, and Michal Davis; his daughters, Kristi Pursley of Miami, Oklahoma, and Katie Clark (Mike) of Neosho, Missouri; his brothers, Larry Rackliff (Sherry) of Ramona, Oklahoma, Gary Rackliff (Dianna) of Wann, Oklahoma, Ricky Rackliff of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Robert Rackliff (Patsy) of Roff, Oklahoma, Gerald Rackliff of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and Lewis Dwayne McCuen of Collinsville, Oklahoma; his sisters, Juanita Hermanns of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Gail Copeland (Steve) of Roff, Oklahoma, JoAnn Richmond (Dusty) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Evelyn Ridenhour (Denis) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Janice Nottingham of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and Gina Jordan of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; his grandchildren, Jagen Rackliff of Hulbert, Oklahoma, Jeffrey Johnstone Jr. (Amie) of Miami, Oklahoma, Starr Housel (Joshua) of Joplin, Missouri, Caleb Rackliff, Faith Rackliff, and Waylon Rackliff of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, Bradley Rackliff (Rayleigh) and Jacob Rackliff of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Corey Clark and Camden Clark of Neosho, Missouri; his great-grandchildren, Anna Lee Rackliff, Emma Lee Rackliff, Leilani Baker-Rackliff, Payzley Rackliff, Brooklyn Johnstone, Natalie Johnstone, and Oliver Johnstone; his nieces, Andrea Taylor (Rob) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Darlene Terry (Bud) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Jennifer Rackliff of Ramona, Oklahoma, Steffanie Vagnozzi (Jason) of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Melanie Rackliff of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Lana Rowe of Gore, Oklahoma, Tina Sutton (Clint) of Stonewall, Oklahoma, Brooke Burdick of Wann, Oklahoma, Brigitte Jackson (Matt) of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Amanda Abel (Christopher) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Rachel Renfro of Coffeyville, Kansas, Monica Smith of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Krystal Gregory (Buddy) of Roff, Oklahoma, Amber Dority (Darrin) of Roff, Oklahoma, Ashton Bogle (Randy) and Shelby Clark of Blair, Oklahoma, Dana Ketcher (Davie) of Welling, Oklahoma, Traci Ridenhour of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Denise Ridenhour of Hulbert, Oklahoma, and Jenny Hill (Rowdy) of Fitzhugh, Oklahoma; his nephews, Adam Richmond (Charlena) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Jason Smith of Gore, Oklahoma, Scott Twist (Stacy) of Ada, Oklahoma, David Rackliff (Jennifer) of Roff, Oklahoma, Levi McCuen, Linden Dane McCuen, and Luke McCuen; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Wyatt, Everley, Kirsten, Blakely, Jaxson, Brighton (Kailyn), Oliver, Kellan, Hunter, Dax, Kayla, Alexander, Amara, Mackenzie, Logan, Dalton, Wynter, Zariah, River, Caleb, Katie, Kami, Bryson, Riley, Ashlynn, Alex, Ryker, Ashlynn, Colton, Kadyn, Noah, Keeton, Keira, Brody, Kyler, Bailey, Brock (Maryanna), Morgan (Cody), Whitney (Johnny), Erika, Alexandra, Jaci, Paige (Collin), Tyler, Lauren, Matthew, Blake, Zane, Ivory, Hailey, Westin, Emmalyn, Carley, Kolter, Hadleigh, and Carson; and his great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, Lilah, Killian, Allyson, Major, Ayden, Chandler, Kanaan, Kingston, Baylea, Karter, Olivia, Harper, Theodore, Daven, and Amary.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Jess Rackliff and Nellie Lois (Ragsdale) Rackliff, and his nieces, Samantha Smith and Shelly Richmond.

The clearest reflection of Norman's life can be found in the generations of family who carry his memory forward. His family was large, and so was the legacy he leaves behind. The stories they share, the lessons he taught, the memories they made, and the pieces of him they carry with them will ensure that Norman's influence continues for generations to come.