Sparta, Tennessee - Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter Lacy passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026. Words are not adequate to describe the larger than life presence of Jeff, and his impact on many.

Jeff was born on March 27, 1957, in Sparta, Tennessee to Alvin Lacy and Barbara Carter Lacy. He was a happy child, big brother to Avalyn Kay, and a natural born leader and athlete from day one. Jeff started his athletic career in little league and played every sport offered at White County High School. He was awarded All State for football in 1974 and recruited to Vanderbilt University as an Offensive Guard. He finished his degree in 1979 at his beloved Tennessee Tech. Jeff married Karen Mayfield Lacy in 1986 and they had their daughter, Megan Ann "Meg" Lacy in 1989. Jeff loved his family more than life and took care of them ferociously.

After a 30 year career in corporate sales, Jeff took his skills to the nonprofit sector, combining his two true passions: sports and Jesus, through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Jeff was highly involved and invested in FCA for over 25 years, serving on the Leadership Board in Murfreesboro for 15 years and then becoming Area Director of the Upper Cumberland Region in 2016. For the last two years Jeff served as the Multi-Area Director of Middle Tennessee, or what he called "The Donut". Jeff impacted the lives of coaches, athletes, staff, volunteers and donors through this ministry. He had a passion for ministering to coaches and served as the Camp Director of FCA Team Football camp at Tennessee Tech for 9 years. Jeff was a great leader who raised awareness and the financial resources to grow his staff and FCA's impact in the community. Jeff loved laughing, picking on colleagues, and helping wherever he was needed - no job was too big or too small for him.

Jeff was a blessing to serve with and his presence will be greatly missed by his team. Jeff's time with FCA was the great calling of his life.

Jeff never met a stranger and was a friend to many throughout his life. He was an active member of Life Church. Jeff is preceded in death by his sister, Avalyn Kay Lacy (1960-2018) and grandparents Elmore and Rowena Carter (Sparta, TN) and Lee and Nell Lacy (Cookeville, TN). He is survived by his wife, Karen Lacy, daughter Meg Lacy, and parents Alvin and Barbara Lacy.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Jeff Lacy Memorial Fund at Upper Cumberland Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

You're invited to wear an FCA garment or your favorite sport team swag or colors for the visitation and memorial in Jeff's honor.