John Blaine Rakestraw

John Blaine Rakestraw, age 87, passed away on September 27, 2024, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born on October 30, 1936, in Tallahassee, Florida to Nina French and Frank Rakestraw. John resided near the St. Mark's River in Natural Bridge, Florida, for most of his life.
John was a proud member of the United States Marines. He retired from the City of Tallahassee where he worked as a draftsman for the Underground Utilities Services.
John loved God and his family. He was a member of the Philadelphia Church of God. John was very athletic and an avid runner. He was a member of the Gulf Winds Track Club and was a grand prix champion. His last race was on the 4th of July 2024 at Cascades Park where he won first place in his age group. John also loved to go turkey hunting and plant fruit trees, especially mulberries.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Reta Grantham Rakestraw, of 63 years, and his favorite canine companions: "Bossy" and "Polar Bear." He is survived by his brother, James Rakestraw (Elena); sisters: Patricia Richardson and Anne Rakestraw; three children: Jonathan Rakestraw (Carolyn), Debra Williams (Walter), and Amy Brown (Edward); seven grandchildren: Andrea Sims, Christina Finch, Matthew Rakestraw, Edward J. Brown (Jessica), Heather Gibbs (John), Charlotte Rakestraw, and Andrew Rakestraw (Kelly); eight great grandchildren: Taylon Finch, Bayleigh Finch, Richard Sims, Cullen Finch, Zoey Chester, Kerington Brown, Stella Raye Gibbs, and Landon Brown; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to the delightful Big Bend Hospice staff at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, who were so wonderful to the family and our dad (Papa).
A Funeral Service will be held on October 4, 2024, at Beggs Funeral Home Chapel in Monticello, Florida, beginning at 11 a.m., with a visitation to take place one hour prior. Interment at Beth Page Cemetery will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Bend Hospice (Big Bend Hospice Foundation, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308).
Beggs Funeral Home in Monticello, Florida is honored to serve the family.