AUGUSTA - Ralph Chester Rackliff, Jr., 84, died Wednesday, January 17th, 2007 at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta. He was born in Whitefield on July 30th, 1922, the son of Ralph and Marguerite (Cooper) Rackliff. Ralph was a graduate of Cony High School, class of 1940. He served in the United States Marine Corps in World War II and in the Korean Conflict. After high school, Ralph was employed with the Kennebec Journal before serving in WWll. After his service was completed, he returned to the Kennebec Journal until his return to the Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge he once again returned to work for the Kennebec Journal. After 35 years at the Kennebec Journal he went to work for LaPointe Lumber Co., Inc. for 10 years until his retirement. Ralph became a 33rd Degree Mason in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1983. He was Past Officer of Yorkwright Bodies and from 1975-1976 was Grand Commander of Grand Commandry of Maine. He was also a member of Penney Memorial United Baptist Church in Augusta, where he and his wife, Lorraine Gaslin, were married on June 15th, 1956. Ralph was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Risser. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, and his two sons, Paul G. Rackliff and family of Gardiner and Edward R. Rackliff of Augusta. A memorial service celebrating Ralph?s life will be held at the Penney Memorial Church in the spring as will his interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery, both being held in Augusta, with the day and time to be announced. Donations in Ralph?s memory may be made to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, c/o Kora Shriners, 11 Sabattus Street, Lewiston, ME 04240. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Service, One Church St., Augusta.