Lacy was born in Henry County, north of New Castle, Indiana. He attended elementary school in Blountsville and junior and senior high school in Delaware County at Center. Ball State Teachers College in Muncie granted him a bachelor of science degree and a master of arts. He earned his master of divinity and his doctor of ministry from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Lacy taught American history, Indiana history, and English in the public schools of Redkey and Dunkirk in Jay County. He has pastored United Methodist churches across the state of Indiana.