Earl Eugene Rackley died in Modesto on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. He was 80.
Mr. Rackley was born in Watsonville on Oct. 23, 1938 to Bertie Henry and Orville Rackley. He was the youngest of five siblings. He was a hardworking diesel mechanic retiring after 20-plus years for the Santa Cruz Metro Transit District. He was married in 1958 to Miss Bobbie Ann Smith of Aromas, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary last year. Two years after they were married they had their only child, Tina Marie.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Ann Smith; and his daughter, Tina Marie Rackley-Allegre. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Lucille Hance, Marian Sauls, Orvil Rackley Jr., and Howard Rackley.
A service will be held on Monday, Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (doors open at 9 a.m.) at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, 609 Main St. in Watsonville with a burial to follow directly (1-2 p.m.) after at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park located at 127 Hecker Pass Road in Watsonville. Family and friends are invited to gather together for a deli buffet and cake and coffee at the Elks Lodge, 121 Martinelli St. in Watsonville, from 2-6 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted in the care of the Carroll Family of Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, www.avemariamemorialchapel.com.
