Billy Joe (B.J.) Rachels

Billy Joe Rachels entered this world on April 12, 1932, born in Como, Tennessee to Albert Taylor and Myrtle Beatrice Baker Rachels. On December 1, 1952, he was inducted into the Army as a Private First Class. His service found him on foreign soil, working as a Supply Sergeant during the Korean Conflict. That service led to his eventual membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. On June 29, 1956, he married the love of his life, Sharon Irene Warden. For the next 62 years they worked together, building a life of service to their God, their family, and the communities that were blessed by their presence.

Billy Joe, also known to many as B. J., graduated from Freed-Hardeman College with a Bachelor of Science degree. He put that degree to work while serving as a Construction Superintendent, Manager, and Estimator for Patton and Taylor Construction in Germantown, Tennessee. Eventually he founded West Tennessee Plan Room and BJ Rachels Professional Estimating Services, businesses he operated from June 26, 1976 until 1998.

During their 62 years of marriage, B. J. and Sharon moved numerous times, eventually living in Cahokia, Illinois where they worshipped with the Maplewood Church of Christ. Their time in Largo and Palm Harbor, Florida found them affiliated with the Central Church of Christ in Clearwater where B. J. served as a deacon. They finally made their way to Jackson, Tennessee where he served as a deacon with the Skyline Church of Christ. He and Sharon, along with nine other couples, founded Jackson Christian School which still offers a Christian education to young people today; B. J. served on their board of directors for many years. Upon leaving Jackson, they settled in Bartlett, Tennessee where B. J. again occupied the position of a deacon with the Brownsville Road Church of Christ in Memphis. Their final earthly destination proved to be Hardin County, Tennessee where they purchased a home in the Counce area. The Savannah Church of Christ recognized B. J.’s years of leadership experience and asked him to serve as a deacon for their congregation as well, a position he occupied until his death on Sunday, April 1, 2018 at the age of 85 years, 11 months, and 20 days.

Left to celebrate his life are his wife, Sharon Irene Warden Rachels of Counce, Tennessee and his four daughters, Belinda Irene Rachels Stone and her husband Jimmy Ray of Jackson, Tennessee,
Tina Marie Rachels Stivers and her husband Dennis of Spring, Texas, Tinsel Dalne Rachels Dukes of Cordova, Tennessee, and Holly Elaine Rachels Hook and her husband Todd of Bentonville, Arkansas. Also surviving are his eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and his sister, Helen Roselle McHugh of Belleville, Illinois.

Other than his parents, B. J. was preceded in death by his sisters, Mable Louise Rachels McClure, Willie T. Rachels, Hazel Elizabeth Rachels, and Dorothy Magaline Rachels Gudovich, and his brothers, Aaron Leander Rachels, James Lane Rachels, and Gerald Taylor Rachels.

Memorial donations can be made to Savannah Church of Christ, P.O. Box 118, Savannah, TN 38372 or Jackson Christian School, 832 Country Club Lane, Jackson, TN 38305.