Bernard Jay Rackley Jr.'s Obituary
Bernard Jay Rackley Jr., the beloved eldest son of Bernard Rackley Sr. and Crystal Maddux, was born on October 11, 1982, in San Diego, California. He and his siblings were raised in Southern California, where he attended San Diego High School and graduated with the Class of 2000. A standout running back and football star, Bernard’s strength, determination, and leadership were evident even then.
He continued his education at San Diego State University and Grossmont Community College, pursuing general education studies. In the fall of 2000, Bernard pledged and was accepted as a True Gentleman of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, embracing its core values of friendship, scholarship, leadership, and service; values he carried with him throughout his life.
In 2005, Bernard met Brenda Sue Admendares through a mutual friend, and their connection quickly grew into a deep and lasting love. Together for nearly 20 years, they married in 2017 and built a beautiful family. Their son, Benjamin Frank, joined his older brother Isaiah Varner, creating the center of Bernard’s greatest joy: fatherhood.
Bernard was a man of many gifts and many titles: lyricist, rapper, published author, entrepreneur, husband, brother, and, by far, his proudest, father. Known on stage as Granzlam Almighty, Zlam, Drastic, and Zlammy, he expressed himself through music and words long before the world was ready. He later began a career in financial services with Appreciation Financial in 2016, where Brenda joined him, turning their work into a shared family endeavor. As an author, he wrote “Intermittent Fasting” and “7 Keys to Success”. Still, of all his accomplishments, his favorite title was simply “Dad.” Bernard loved being a father more than anything.
Committed to becoming the best version of himself, Bernard believed that growth was a lifelong responsibility. Through the Personal Success Institute (PSI), he completed personal development programs, including PLD, and graduated as an LS man. These experiences deepened his commitment to accountability, integrity, and leading with purpose. Leadership, to him, started from within.
In his own words, Bernard’s mission was to be “A gorgeous, lovable, brilliant family man, trusting myself to create my monumental empire and legacy.” And he didn’t just speak those words, he lived them. He showed us what it meant to love out loud, to lead with heart, and to believe boldly in his own dreams. He carried himself with confidence and light, the kind that made people feel seen, safe, and inspired just by being near him. His “empire” wasn’t only about success or accolades; it was the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, the wisdom he shared, and the impact he left on every life he touched. Wherever Bernard went, love followed. His smile, wide and genuine, was unforgettable and could light up any room. He brought compassion, patience, and fairness into every space. He welcomed debate, conversation, and hard truths, but always ended with understanding and love. A gentle giant, a Clay Street soldier, he endured much and rose stronger each time, guided by principle and faith. If he were here to offer us one last piece of wisdom, it would be this: be clear in your intentions, hold your people close, and simply do your best each day. Live with purpose. Move with honesty. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don’t leave love unspoken or moments undone. Protect your peace, cherish your family, and show up fully for the people who matter most. And at the end of the day, give yourself grace because doing your best, with a good heart, is more than enough.
Bernard leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Brenda; his sons, Isaiah and Benjamin; his parents, Bernard Rackley Sr. (Charlene) and Crystal Maddux; his brother Shamron (Christina); his sister Reece Leanna Rackley; his nephews Kiyan, Emory, and Raylen; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and extended family who will carry his love and light forward.
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