Obituary of Orren Nelson Rakes

Orren Nelson Rakes, 87, a native and lifelong resident of Roanoke, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2017. Mr. Rakes was a resident of Raleigh Court Health and Rehab, in Roanoke, and a lifelong member of Oakland Baptist Church.

Mr. Rakes is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Jefferson and Alma Fulk Rakes, and sister, Jeanette Rakes Ryan. Surviving are brothers, Ernest W. Rakes (Sandra) and Larry C. Rakes (Patricia); brother-in-law Gerald D. Ryan; nieces Debbie R. Painter (Rodney), Allison P. Ryan; nephews Douglas Payne, Jr. (Lynn); Stephen W. Rakes; and Michael J. Ryan (Rachelle). He is also survived by numerous cousins, great nephews, and nieces and five special friends: Carol & Bob Killinger; Lonnie Bower;Francis Thompson; Duffy Brickey.

Mr. Rakes worked for over 30 years with his father who owned and operated C.J. Rakes’s Service Station in Southeast Roanoke. He later worked for Eastern Motor Inns until his retirement.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Oakland Baptist Church, Roanoke. Family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Oakland Baptist Church, 3623 Roundhill Ave, Roanoke, Va. 24012.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Raleigh Court Health & Rehab and the nurses on Eight-West at Carilion. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory. (540)366-0707.