Reverend Roy Joe Rackley of Chesterland, Ohio, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on March 6, 2023, at the David Simpson House of the Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio.
He served in the U.S. Army and was a director/supervisor for the Job Corp. In 1963 he helped found J.E.N.A (Jesus Everlasting Now and Always) Church in Houston and was the minister and spiritual leader of the church.
He continued in this capacity and also functioned as a Spiritual Lecturer until 1983. Starting in 1988 he became a monthly speaker at Unity Church of Beaumont, subsequently pursuing ordination and becoming the full time Spiritual Leader during this time.
In 1991, Rev. Roy began the process of becoming a licensed and ordained Unity Minister. He completed the training for Licensed Unity Teacher and applied for and was accepted into the Field Licensing Program and was ordained in 2001.
He served as Minister of the Unity of Southeast Texas from 1992-2007. He was also a member of the UWM Field Licensing Ministry Team from 2002-2008 and was a prolific volunteer for many causes throughout his life.
After moving from Texas in 2007, he began serving as the Minister of the Unity Church of Christianity in Chesterland and proudly led the church’s ministry for the past 16 years.
Rev. Roy was born on December 6, 1938, to Florence Virginia and Walter Weldon Rackley in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was proceeded in death by his parents; brothers Donald, Weldon, and Jack; daughter-in-law Ann Allen; and foster son Larry. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of his life will be on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Unity Church of Christianity, 7887 Chalet Drive, Chesterland, OH 44026, beginning at 11 AM.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Reverend Roy’s name to Unity Church of Christianity or by clicking HERE.
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Diana Chalmers
Rev Roy was an inspirational teacher who loved food, movies, reading, golf and cars. It was my gift to have him as a spiritual leader, mentor and friend.
Cheryl Owens
I had the pleasure of working with Rev Roy during my tenure as President of the Unity Church of Christianity Board of Trustees. Rev Roy was a dedicated, thoughtful and authentic teacher of Unity principles and will be missed but never forgotten.
EDWIN CRUZ
Thank you Rev. Roy was my mentor since 1993 in Beaumont tx, after he moved to Ohio , he continue to send me his Sundays lessons Audio Cd’s , until his very last Sunday. I learned so much , I am a better human being because of all he taught , I love you Rev. Roy
Rev. Martha Mosley
Roy was a good friend. It was my honor to have him in the Field Licensing Program while I was in charge. He was an inspiration, always had a ready smile and warm hug. His ministries thrived under his leadership! I always searched for his smiling face at national Unity events. I love you Roy. Well done thou good and faithful servant.
Elise Panehal
Roy was and is a deeply inspiring teacher. He is a gifted storyteller and always made us laugh before he shared his message. He knew how to open up our hearts and then lighten up our lives. I miss him.
Diana Chalmers
So do I…