Stephen Dale Rakes

Stephen Dale Rakes, 61, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at his home after a brief illness with his wife at his side. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 23, 2017, at 3:00 P.M., at Wilkerson Funeral Home with Pastor Marty Brim officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memory Gardens. Stephen was born on November 17th, 1955, in Rockingham County, to the late Billy Gene Southard Sr. and Hacie Marie Benefield. He was a longtime employee of GP Fabrication. He was a tradesman. He could fix or do anything. Steve always said “If I can’t fix it, it ain’t broke”. He loved Ford Mustangs, riding four wheelers, car shows and NASCAR but most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He worked hard all of his life to provide for his family. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jeff Southard, Mark Southard, Ronald Rakes, and Garry Rakes. Survivors include his wife of 22 years Joyce Rakes; sons, Nathan Rakes and wife Cheryl, Daniel Rakes and wife Kristi, Stephen Rakes and wife Rachel; Daughter, Caroline Rakes; Grandchildren, Logan, Jackson, and Lauren Rakes, Kane and Kase Rakes and Lilliana; siblings Deborah Bateman and Billy Southard along with a large extended family and many many friends. Visitation for family and friends will be from 6-8 P.M., Thursday, June 22, 2017, at Wilkerson Funeral Home and other times at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HorsePower Therapeutic Learning Center 8001 Leabourne Rd, Colfax NC 27235 Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be made to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com.