Arlis T. Rakes, 82, died peacefully with family by his side September 20, 2006 at Trinity Mission Rehab Center of Hillsville following a long struggle with lung disease and cancer. Born April, 30, 1924, in Slab Fork, WV, he was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Reed Rakes and Lillie Ellen Bowman Rakes; brothers Allen and Walter; and sisters Myrtle, Violet and Helen. Mr. Rakes is survived by his wife of 58 years, Christine Marshall Rakes of the home; daughters Elizabeth Rakes Pahnke & spouse Robert of Hillsville and Sharon Wickel & spouse Lee of Durham, NC; three grandchildren, Marie Wickel, Kevin Wickel and Danielle Flowers; a special step grandson, Michael Pahnke; brother & sister-in-law John & Julie Rakes of Carthage, NC; sister & brother-in-law Phyllis & Paul Richard of Newport News, VA. Also, he leaves to cherish his memory four nieces and four nephews; sisters-in-law Dorothy Rakes of Kansas City MO, Aileen Wiggins of Ridgeway, VA and Cordelia Vaughan and a special brother-in-law Edwin Vaughan both of Hillsville; many special friends, neighbors, cousins and extended family among them Bill Rhodd, Lowell Bowman, Jr. and Glen & Avenelle Jackson of Laurel Fork.

Mr. Rakes served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy, assigned to the Pacific Theater as an anti-aircraft Gunner. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served twice as Branch President. He was a Charter Member of the Laurel Fork Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Hillsville V.F.W. Post 1115. Mr. Rakes was a hard worker who raised cattle, hay and vegetables on his farm. He was self-employed in the wholesale produce business and retired from Lees Carpets Division of Burlington Industries in 1990. When his poor health prevented him from working as he loved, he enjoyed sitting outside, reading and talking with company. He will be remembered as a good son and brother, a good husband and father, and a good neighbor and friend. He was a kind, honest, generous, humble man who led a long productive life.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 23, 2006 at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel at 11:00 with Bishop Jesse Hiatt officiating. Burial will follow in the Jonah Marshall Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by the Hillsville V.F.W. Post 1115. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Friday night at the funeral home. Flowers would be appreciated; however, donations may be made to the Laurel Fork Volunteer Rescue Squad P.O. Box 107 Laurel Fork, VA 24352; the American Cancer Society 9 East Church Ave. Roanoke, VA 24011; or to the American Lung Association 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006.