Preceding him in death were his parents, Harold Delma Rakes and Bernice Allene Spencer Rakes; grandparents, Melvin & Elizabeth Rakes and Vester & Katherine Spencer; nephew, Jeremy Dale Turner.
Sam was a man of many talents. He owned and operated Rakes Construction for many years. He was a master mechanic, welder, and fabricator. There was nothing he could not build or create. Most recently, he worked at Stik-Pak Solutions in Rocky Mount, VA.
Always looking for an adventure, Sam spent many years barrel racing throughout the southeast. In later years, he could be found riding his Harley with his wife. He was often blazing through the Hatfield-McCoy trails of West Virginia. As an avid hunter, Sam was always looking for the next trophy-worthy deer or bear. Many nights were spent singing karaoke wherever the music was found. Regardless of where you would find him, Sam was determined to live life to the fullest.
Loved ones left to cherish Sam’s memory include his wife, Leslie Adams Rakes; sister, Tami Rakes Harper and her husband, Jerry; son, Micah Bo Bradley Rakes and his wife, Chelsea; grandsons, Brendan Isaac Rakes and Oliver Graham Harris; niece, Bailey Shae Turner; and nephew, Jacob Barrett Turner. Additional family includes father-in-law, Jesse Adams, Sr. and Judy Hale; sister-in-law, Julie Kitzmiller and her husband Robert; niece Ashley Kitzmiller Dillon and her husband Brad; nephew, Colton Kitzmiller; niece, Hayden Kitzmiller; stepmother, Vergie Rakes; stepsisters, Vickie Beasley and Jennifer Caldwell; and nieces Holly Beasley and Chloe Caldwell.
Visitation will be held at 11 am on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville, VA. A memorial service will follow at 12 noon.
Sam believed in the philosophy “come as you are”. He accepted everyone without any judgement. The family would like to honor this by asking that you join us in comfortable, casual attire.
The Rakes family would like to extend special gratitude to Dr. Mark Witcher and his team at Carilion Clinic Neurosurgery for their exceptional knowledge, patience, and care. Additional appreciation is extended to the amazing team at Mountain Valley Hospice for providing us a way to spend his final days at home.
If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please make donations in Sam’s memory to Mountain Valley Hospice, 240 Commonwealth Blvd. West, Suite 602 B, Martinsville, VA 24112.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family.
