Mr. Lasker Wylie Rakestraw

[Funeral Director]

Mr. Lasker Wylie Rakestraw, age 77, lifelong resident of Dallas, Georgia passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2012 at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

 

 

 

Wylie was born on June 30, 1935 to loving parents the late Mr. George Wallace Rakestraw and Mrs. Odell Brown Rakestraw. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Mrs. Rebecca "Becky" Denise Hansen who passed away on December 16, 2007; two brothers James Dale "J.D." Rakestraw who passed away on October 22, 2011 and Mr. Weyman Rakestraw, and one sister Mrs. Eilene Johnson.

 

 

 

Wylie graduated high school in Dallas in 1953, and later went on to attend Southern Tech. He retired from Lockheed Martin with 42 years of service as a developmental mechanic in aircraft assembly. He loved Bluegrass and Country music. He worked as a member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. He was a founding member of the Southeastern Bluegrass Association. He was known as the "Father of Bluegrass" in Paulding County and loved promoting Bluegrass music. He was a master wood craftsman, and was known for his fiddles, guitars, and dobros. He was a faithful man and a member of Narroway Baptist Church. He was also a Mason with Dallas Lodge #182.

 

 

 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Mrs. Annette Victoria Tibbitts Rakestraw, whom he married on December 4, 1954; one son Mr. Rickey Rakestraw; one daughter and son in law Mr. & Mrs. Wendell (Rene) Hardy; one son in law Mr. Robert "Bob" Hansen all of Dallas, GA; six grandchildren Kevin Hardy of Dallas, GA, Shylah Rakestraw, Alaina Swofford both of Dallas, GA, Kale Hansen of Dallas, GA, Reid Hardy of Powder Springs, GA, and Derrick Hansen of Dallas, GA; five great grandchildren Ethan Bennett, Will Hardy, Caroline Hardy, Hollis Swofford, Lily Swofford, one sister and brother in law Mr. & Mrs. Clive (June) Freeman; two brothers and sisters in law Mr. & Mrs. J.W. (Mona) Rakestraw and Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie (Shirley) Rakestraw; three sisters in law Mrs. Mindy Rakestraw, Mrs. Betty Rakestraw, and Mrs. Joyce Rakestraw all of Dallas, GA; many nieces, nephews as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

 

 

 

Mr. Rakestraw will lie in state at Narroway Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 from 1 pm until his funeral service begins at 2 pm with the Reverend Todd Tibbitts and Reverend Hershel Tibbitts officiating. Music will be provided by Jeff Eberhart, Reid Hardy, Fannie Holcomb, and Papa's Prayer. Wiley Cates, Collin Lyle, Sammy Freeman, Jody Miller, John Rakestraw, and Josh Rakestraw will serve as pallbearers. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Kendall Smith, Steve Rakestraw, Chris Hambrick, Scott Rakestraw, Tim Rakestraw, Benji Dockery, Lamar Tibbitts, Steve Cates, Trent Tibbitts, Curtis Miller, and Brad Ballew. Graveside services will be conducted by the Masons. Interment will follow at Narroway Baptist Church Cemetery.

 

 

 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 from 5 – 9 pm and Wednesday, September 5, 2012 from 9 am until we leave in procession for the church at 1 pm.

 

 

 

Please join the family in honoring his life by visiting www.jeffeberhartfuneralhome.com to sign the register book and share a memory.

 

 

 

The Jeff Eberhart Funeral Home of Dallas, GA is honored to serve the family of Mr. Lasker Wylie Rakestraw.

[Biginthebottom]

What a sweet family. This family will be in my prayers.

[jan tripcony]

The Rakestraw family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Wylie was a wonderful man and will be

missed by so many.

[Burnt Hickory Mimi]

So proud to be part of this family!

 

Prayers said for Annette, Rene', Rickey, and all the grandchildren and great grandchildren!

[GRAYCE]

Prayers! Sorry for your loss!