Lewis Neil Rackley

Lewis Neil Rackley, 79, of Williamsburg, VA, completed his journey home to our Eternal Heavenly Father in the morning hours of July 21, 2022. In his final moments, he was surrounded by the love of his wife and children. Lewis dedicated his entire life to the service of helping others as a career firefighter and his continued service to others as a Planning Section Chief at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Additionally, he achieved many noteworthy accomplishments throughout his life:

- Fire Captain at Williamsburg Fire Department, Williamsburg, VA.

- Fire Instructor at Louisiana State University (LSU) Firemen Training

- Fire Chief of Franklin Fire Department, Franklin, LA,

- Fire Training Officer at Loudon County, Va. Fire/Rescue

- Planning Section Chief at Department of Homeland Security, Loudon County, Va.

During his pursuit of service to others, he strived continuously for higher education through the following educational achievements:

- Attended Havelock High School, North Carolina, graduating from James Blair High School, Williamsburg, VA,

- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Fire Administration at Thomas Nelson Community College

- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Fire Science at Louisiana State University (LSU)

- Study of Fire Administration at the University of Maryland

- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Behavior at the University of New York State.

- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Theology at American Institute of Holistic Theology (AIHT)

- Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Md.

Lewis is survived by his loving wife Patricia Ann Rackley; daughter Andrea (Rackley) Dion and spouse Frank; son Jon Nicholas Rackley and spouse Nicole; step-sons Daniel Stone and spouse Theresa, and Jason Stone and spouse, Megan; two brothers, David Rackley of North Carolina, and Charles Rackley of Virginia; and an uncle Richard Rackley of North Carolina. In addition, he has been surrounded by the love of many cousins, nieces, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many friends throughout his life.

Lewis Rackley’s death is preceded by his mother and father, Nancy Onley Rackley and Elmer Clyde Rackley, and will be laid to rest at the Williamsburg Memorial Park by their side.

A visitation for Lewis will be held Wednesday, July 27, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, Virginia 23188. A service will occur Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Rackley family.