Tom Lackey was raised in Boron, California, and lives in Palmdale, California. Lackey graduated from Boron High School in 1977. Lackey earned an associate degree in general studies from Ricks College (now BYU Idaho) in 1982 and a bachelor's of applied science (BASc) in special education and teaching from Utah State University in 1984. His career experience includes working as an elementary special education teacher and with the California Highway Patrol. Lackey volunteered on the Palmdale Elementary School District board of trustees and the Palmdale City Council.
