Billy Jeff Rakestraw

Billy Jeff Rakestraw, of Cobb County, Georgia, passed away in Cartersville, GA, on Monday, Dec 26, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents William Paul Rakestraw and Zonie Mae Wilson Rakestraw. Sarge, as he was known by his friends, was born on April 2, 1932, in Cobb County, Georgia. He attended Douglas County High School in Douglasville. At the age of 17, in July 1949, he enlisted in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. Sarge proudly served for 20 years and was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and received numerous citations. He was a member of the Air Defense Guided Missile Group and was trained to use nuclear weapons with secret clearance. He was stationed in Michigan, Korea, Germany, Georgia and Texas. After Sarge retired from the Army in 1969, he returned to Cobb County, Georgia, where he worked in construction and carpet installation. He attended Marietta-Cobb Area Vocational-Technical School and received a diploma in heating and air conditioning in 1976. He worked for Stewart Reid in Austell, then later opened his own auto upholstery repair business. Sarge was a member of Dogwood Golf and Country Club, in Austell, where he enjoyed playing golf and cards with a large group of friends. He also liked fishing, going to the dog track, attending all the many Rakestraw family gatherings and traveling with his wife. Sarge had a very magnetic and unique personality. He never met a stranger and was always able to make you laugh and smile. He had a gift for telling stories to all his family and friends about his life’s experiences, especially ones about his days while serving in the military. Sarge will be dearly missed. He is survived by a large family and many friends. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park located at 1861 Dallas Hwy, Marietta, GA. Sarge will be buried with full military honors.