Harvey Edward Rakes

Harvey Edward Rakes Harvey Edward Rakes, 90, of Sophia, went home to be with the Lord on December 15, 2011. Born December 15, 1921 at Crites, VA; he was the son of the late Isaac Rakes and Bertie Edward Rakes. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Mae Rakes; three brothers, Emmett, Louie, and Hansel Rakes; four sisters, Eunice Fain, Callie Hylton, Susie Eddins, and Elva McKinney. Those left to cherish his precious memory include his two sons, Larry Rakes and wife, Barbara of Sophia, Lonnie Rakes and wife, Tami of Tams Mountain; one daughter, Lana Diehl and husband, Sherman of Sophia; five grandchildren, Michelle Meadows and husband, Mike of Shady Spring, Shannon Rakes and wife, Michelle of TN, "LII" Rakes of Old Eccles Road, Chase Rakes of Tams Mountain; and Melodie Hunt of Sophia; four great-grandchildren, Austin, Jordan, and Jenna Harvey and Alyssa Rakes of TN. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during World War II. He was a coal miner of 34 years working at the Slab Fork Coal Company. He was a member and Deacon of the Enon Primitive Baptist Church of Lester. He loved the Lord and his family. Services will be 2:00PM Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Sophia with Elder Joe Blevins officiating. Following the services Harvey will be laid to rest beside his loving wife at the Slab Fork Cemetery. Friends may gather with the family from 1:00PM until time of the service Tuesday at the funeral home. The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff at the Raleigh Center for the care and compassion that they shown our father. Online condolences and other information can be sent to the family by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 101 1st Street Sophia is in charge of the arrangements.