Russell Lee Rakestraw, Jr.

Russell Lee Rakestraw, Jr. went to be with his Savior on Monday, February 17, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, February 21, 2025, at New Lebanon Church with Pastor Mark Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Smyrna Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1:00 PM with the service beginning at 3:00 PM. Friends and family may visit with the family other times at the home.

Lee was born in Reidsville, NC, to the late Russell Lee Rakestraw, Sr. and Sallie Puckett Rakestraw on March 4, 1947. He grew up on the family farm where he started working before he started school. Lee attended Wentworth School grades 1-12, meeting his future wife Ginger in first grade. In high school he was co-captain of the men’s basketball team. 

After high school, he earned a two-year degree in Agriculture from NC State University and was a lifelong tobacco, corn, soybean, wheat, hay, cow, and pig farmer. He received the Rockingham County Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year award. Lee carried on the family farm tradition by mentoring his sons, Dwayne, Brad, and Brett, along with his nephews Kevin and Keith Dixon.

During the Vietnam War, he served in the Army National Guard for six years. He grew up attending Smyrna Presbyterian Church and later became a member of New Lebanon Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees. 

Lee loved sports! He rarely missed an opportunity to watch his children and grandchildren compete. He was a supportive and dedicated father and grandfather who provided transportation from 5:00 AM to midnight if needed as well as coaching from the stands. At home, Lee kept his TV tuned to the sport of the season. His morning ritual included the “coffee club” at Twin Oaks Grocery for coffee and a Little Debbie where he helped to solve the world’s problems with his buddies, some of whom are serving as honorary pallbearers. For the last 24 years, Lee and his family served as the hosts of the annual Puckett Family Stew.

In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by his son Brett Owen Rakestraw and many beloved aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ginger Griffith Rakestraw; son Dwayne Rakestraw (Paula); son Brad Rakestraw (Jennifer); Proud Pa of 6 beautiful grandchildren: McKinsey Rakestraw, Jasper Rakestraw, JT Rakestraw, Erin Rakestraw, Emma Rakestraw and Izzy Rakestraw; sister Ann Rakestraw Dixon (Mitcheal); brother, Larry Richard Rakestraw (Teresa). He was a beloved uncle of Kevin Dixon (Becky — Winter & Levi), Keith Dixon (Kelly — Angel Dixon Sferro (Dominic), Abby & Zane), Tristan Rakestraw Walker (Bryson — Watson & Dawson), Taylor Rakestraw; and sister-in-law Janet Griffith.

The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Rockingham Hope at 326B East Stadium Dr., Eden, NC 27288.