Steven James Raker

Dear sweet cousin Steve,Judy and chelse..I have wanted to call you so many times but can not express how we all are feeling about your loss of S.J.but we all send you and your family our love and deepest syphany..S.J. is in gods hands now plus being watched over by mamaw and papaw Stoess and his other greatgrandparents.he is in our throughts and prayers and may god be with you and your family each and every day..

we miss you very much,and know that you are watching over your family and friends. happy valentines sj we love you

love,

karie,eric,and alexander neuf

It is July 12th and Victor had just called me and told me the news. We were in the army with Steven. We have been trying to get ahold of him for 6 months and i wish this was not the reason we couldnt reach him. He was an amazing person to be around and a true friend.

Dear Judy, Steve and Chelsea,

We are so sorry to hear about SJ. I wish we could take some of the hurt from you. We will be in the area in March and would love to stop in to see you. Let me know. In the meantime, we will thinking and praying for your whole family.

Love, Charlotte

im the daughter of becky bonds and our prayers go out to the raker family,SJ will bein our thoughts and prayers

S.J was my wonderful and most precious grandson.I wasn't only his grandmother, I was his friend-we shared many interests like skiing , tennis and scuba diving. I will miss you ,honey, you were cool, Mamaw

Steve,Judy&Chelsae, We all send our deepest Sympathy and love to you and your family SJ will be in our prayers always.

Steve,Judy..and..Family,

My.Heartf elt..thoughts.and..Prayers.are.with .you.and..your..entire..

family..Y ou..are..in.my.Prayers

Deeny

Dear Steve, Judy Chelsea,

Jean, and Bill...

I cannot find the words that would come close to expressing what you are feeling at this time; nor can I say anything that would make your hearts feel whole again. But remember the joy and happiness he brought to you and feel fortunate that you had the privilege of being his parents. Miss him, but let him go....he is at peace now.

My son, Bryant Kirkland, went to school with S.J. ("Steve" to us) at Saint Stephens. Bryant is out of the country for the next six months and does not have much access to the Internet, but I shared your news with him. He is praying for all of you. He always spoke so highly of Steve - his personality, his enthusiasm, his abilities, his goodness.



I wish some of the grief others feel over your loss could lessen yours. The community cries with you.



May God give each of you peace and inner strength.

"Scuba Steve" was such a wonderful guy and I can honestly say I can never remember a time where he wasn't having fun with whatever he was doing. His commitment to his friends and activities was immensely honorable, and I only hope I was as friendly to him as he was to me. I knew him since 7th grade. It's sad to see him taken away so soon. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Judy, Steve & Chelsea,

I am so sorry to hear about SJ. I wish I could be there to give you a big hug and tell you this is person. Just know that I will be thinking of you tomorrow and all the sad days ahead.

Love, Betty

With heartfelt sympathy. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

I was in school with Steve at St Stephens and was deeply sorry to hear of his death. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by all of us. Marissa Myers

I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Our deepest sympathies....Tad & Jesse

I remember SJ when he was 9 years old. My daughter, Dani and his sister Chelsea became best friends at Puppy Patch Preschool. From this relationship between the girls, Judy and I began our friendship. We would get together with our families and have a great time. I remember funny times like when SJ dressed up with pillows for a belly so that he could be the Tostito Guy (a commercial from 10 years ago) for Halloween. SJ always had a great smile and a fun personality (even when he would shave the girls Barbie doll heads).



SJ, I will miss you so much! I feel for your family who will always miss and love you!

I am deeply saddened to read the news of Steve's death. I had the privilege to be one of Steve's teachers and his basketball coach at Saint Stephen's. I remember Steve bringing a great energy to our classroom and to the team. Steve was so well-liked and appreciated by his teammates, he always hustled and scrapped while he was on the floor and pushed himself and his teammates to be their best. I will carry with me wonderful memories of Steve and his vibrance and zest for life. My condolences and prayers go out to the family during this time. Although I am no longer in Florida and cannot attend the services, Steve and the family will be in my thoughts. May God bless you and comfort you.



Chuck Chapman