Steve (Gunner/Doob) Rakestraw born December 26, 1944, was called home to be in the presence of Jesus on December 31, 2023.
He passed peacefully at his home in McDonald Tennessee surrounded by loved ones. He was 79 years old.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 59 years Linda (Phillips) Rakestraw, Daughters and sons in law: Candy (Todd) Pool, Stephanie (lovingly nicknamed Duffy by her Daddy) (Tim) Posey, and Dee Dee (Kevin) Blankinship all of Cleveland Tennessee. Grandchildren: Justin Posey, Kaitlyn (Posey) Stewart and great grandson Walker James Stewart. Siblings: Mike Rakestraw (Faye), Willine Clowers, and Karen Cross (Lowell) all of McDonald Tennessee. Sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Carol (Phillips) Britt, Chris (Phillips) Still (Gerald) all of Cleveland, Tennessee. Best friend, hunting partner, and nephew whom he loved like a son, Greg Rakestraw.
He is survived by countless nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends near and far that he loved very much.
He is preceded in death by parents: Bennet and Vernice (Holden) Rakestraw; siblings: Jack Rakestraw, Thomas Rakestraw, Daniel Rakestraw, and Martha (Rakestraw) Goss all of McDonald Tn.
Steve was married to the love of his life Linda for 59 years. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandson with his whole heart.
He became a Christian in his early 20’s and served the Lord for well over 50 years.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing and being in nature. He had many friends who he spent years, enjoying time together doing what he loved. He has mentored many young hunters. He shared skills and knowledge that will be passed on through those hunters for generations.
He was the “Tall Tale” speaker for many years at the Hunter’s Safety Course held at Bradley Central High School. Everyone who knows him, knows he can tell a BIG YARN like no other! His joy of life and laughter was contagious; he could convince you that he was telling the truth right up until the punch line!
These stories will live on to create laughter and will remain precious and timeless to those who were fortunate to hear them. He owned his own business and was a brick and block mason his entire adult life. He contributed his flawless talents to the construction industry for over 50 years. His name is known as the “one” you need for a quality job!
He is LOVED by many and will be missed beyond measure! This Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, and Papaw will NEVER be forgotten!!!! In his own words just a few short weeks ago he said:
“I win no matter what! When you wake up with Jesus, that is a win!”
Revelation 14:13 "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."
The Remembrance of Life Service will be conducted on Friday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. at Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services Wildwood Chapel with Karen Cross and Greg Rakestraw sharing. Interment will follow in the Pine Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery in McDonald, Tn. with Kevin Blankinship, Todd Pool, Tim Rakestraw, Greg Carr, Colby Still and Ron Hembree serving as casket bearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Wounded Warrior Project by going to wounded warrior project.org or to a charity of your choice. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services Wildwood Chapel who has charge of the arrangements. You may share your condolences and your memories with the Rakestraw family at
www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.