Harold Rakestraw passed away Tuesday, May 02, 2017 at the Sanctuary Hospice House after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of Northeast Mississippi, He was born July 8, 1936 in the Jericho Community of Union County to Herman and Alice Epting Rakestraw. He worked in the grocery business for 61 years. Harold was a member of Saltillo First Baptist Church and enjoyed participating in the Men’s Brotherhood. He could be found each morning at Hardee’s in Saltillo with his favorite breakfast group. A true craftsman, Harold enjoyed woodwork, building everything from furniture to small trinkets. He also enjoyed word search puzzles and loved spending time with his family.
Services will be 2 PM Saturday at the Lee Memorial Chapel with his grandson, Dr. Jeremy Woods and Dr. Ronnie Hatfield officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
He is survived by a daughter, Pat Woods (Terry) of Sherman, TX; his brother, Jack Rakestraw (Jan) of the Jericho Community; 2 grandsons, Dr. Jeremy Ray Woods (Sarah) of Sherman TX, and Cody Woods (Jamie) of Pottsboro, TX; 6 great-grandchildren, Spencer Woods, Levi Woods, Grayson Woods, Lucy Woods, Luke Woods and Leo Woods.
He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 58 years, Elaine Rakestraw; and 2 brothers, Dud Rakestraw and Norman Rakestraw.
His great-grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Visitation will be 12-2 PM Saturday at the funeral home. For online guest registry visit www.leememorialonline.com.
