Allen Huff Rakes

Allen was born in Floyd, Virginia on August 19, 1933. He was the second child of George Tyler and Zada Huff Rakes.

Allen left home at the age of 16 to attend Ferrum College where he craftily traded a lawnmower he had for his first semester’s tuition. After a year at Ferrum College, Allen moved on the Virginia Tech University where he earned his bachelors of science and master degree in Animal Nutrition. Allen also was lucky enough to meet his lovely wife Alma while he was at Virginia Tech. After graduating from Virginia Tech, the young couple set out to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Allen earned a doctorate in Animal Nutrition at Cornell University in 1960.

Allen and Alma then moved to Morgantown, West Virginia where Allen started his career at the University of West Virginia. They had their first child, Phillip, in 1960 in Morgantown. In 1963, Allen accepted a position at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC and the couple had their second child, Stephen, in 1965.

Allen had a long and distinguished career at North Carolina State University where he was a favorite professor of many and published a number of important research articles. In 1994 he was recognized with the University’s Outstanding Teacher award for his work.

In retirement, Allen enjoyed traveling in Europe and the Western United States and chasing after his seven grandchildren Mahlon, Emily, Taylor, George, Catie, MacKenzie, and Kendall. Allen was an active member of his church, Millbrook Baptist Church, and regularly volunteered for their church’s meals for the homeless program.

Allen is survived by his wife, Alma Lee Rakes, son, Phillip Allen Rakes (wife, Kim Rakes), and son, Stephen Lee Rakes (wife, Christine Rakes).

A memorial for Allen will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 2 pm at Millbrook Baptist Church, 1519 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh. The burial will be private. Allen wished for condolences to be made in the form of donations to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Carlson and Dr. Rose and the staff of Rex Hospital for the excellent care they provided Allen during his illness.

Arrangements under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC.