Obituary

Mr. Bernard Thomas Rakes, age 84 of Stuart, Virginia passed away on Monday, July 10, 2017 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He was born in Patrick County on April 9, 1933 to the late Thomas Clyde Rakes and Catherine Cannady Rakes. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Tommy Rakes; a brother, Norman Rakes; and a sister-in-law, Shelby Rakes. Mr. Rakes faithfully served his country in the Army during the Korean War, attended New Life Community Fellowship Church and had retired from United Elastic with 47 years of service. He was very civic minded and gave his time to many organizations including Mountain Home Lodge #263, Stuart Lion’s Club, and American Legion Post #105. Bernard had a great love of sports, especially the Chicago Cubs, of whom he was a self-proclaimed “World’s Biggest Fan.” He took pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren play sports and rarely missed a game. He was instrumental in the foundation of Little League in Patrick County. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, papa, son, uncle, and friend who can be described as solid, hardworking, humble, and enjoyed the simple way of life.

Mr. Rakes is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara June Church Rakes of the home; his son, Donny Rakes and wife, Janet of Stuart, VA; a daughter, Lark Eaton of Patrick Springs, VA; a daughter-in-law, Janet Rakes of Raleigh, NC; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; three brothers, Fred Rakes and wife, Lucy of Bassett, VA, Ronnie Rakes and wife, Barbara of Patrick Springs, VA and Bobby Rakes and wife, Carolyn of Powhatan, VA; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Rakes will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 11:00 am at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Stuart with Pastors Jim and Ethel Churchwell officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the Stuart Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:30 until 7:30 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard, c/o Tom Inman, 426 Big A School Rd., Stuart, Virginia 24171. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.