Wallace Alton Rakestraw

Wallace Alton Rakestraw, 85, passed away on September 25, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Blackshear, GA and graduated from Suwannee High School in Live Oak, FL. Mr. Rakestraw retired from Chevron after 40 years of service. He was predeceased by his parents: Reverend Bartow and Elizabeth Rakestraw. Mr. Rakestraw was a devoted and unselfish family man who never met a stranger. He also took great pride in his dedication and service to the youth of Clay County FL by coaching Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman where his favorite life-long activity was hunting with his brother, nephew and children. He will be remembered as an exuberant story-teller and the joy and love he felt for his family was known by all he spoke to. Mr. Rakestraw is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Anita Rakestraw; 2 sons: Wally (Shelley) Rakestraw, Jr and Randy (Tara) Rakestraw; brother, Dan (Bobbie) Rakestraw; 4 grandchildren with whom he loved, adored and was so proud of: Wally Rakestraw III, Elizabeth Rakestraw, Shelby Rakestraw and Matthew Rakestraw; Curtis Harris (who he thought of as a son), nieces and nephews: John, Kelley, Carla, Lori, Leanne and Schanna, and extended family and dear friends. Funeral services will be held 1 PM, Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Hibernia Baptist Church officiated by Pastor Scott Yirka, 7100 Highway 17, Fleming Island, FL with visitation held from 11:30 to 1:00 PM prior to service. The family wishes to thank all the staff in the ICU at Orange Park Medical Center for being so attentive to Mr. Rakestraw during his time there and therefore are asking that memorial donations be made in his memory to the HCA Hope Fund, Attn: Orange Park, FL ICU Unit, P.O Box 440252 , Nashville, TN 37244 or www.hcahopefund.com. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery. Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.