of North Little Rock, AR

August 30, 1954 - November 8, 2023

Stephen D. Rakes left this earthly plane on November 8, 2023. He was greeted in Heaven by his mother, father, brother and a host of other family members and friends, who we know were thrilled to hear his deep, baritone voice join their choir. Here on earth, we will miss Steve, beloved husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend. He was many things to so many people.

Steve was born August 30, 1954 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to mother, Cristle Jean Rakes, father, James Rakes and older brother, Mike Rakes. He was a skilled music engineer and found his place among the music community, recording local musicians. He was saved when he was 17 and anyone who knew Steve knew his love for the Lord. In a close second place, he loved his wife, Sherry. Steve married her on his birthday in 1973 and was smitten with her for 50 years. They had two sons, Sam and Matt, who share his love of music and quirky 80s movies. Steve worked hard to provide for his family throughout his 42-year career at AT&T. In retirement, Steve enjoyed being Pop to his two grandsons and singing in his praise quartet, The Representatives. We would be remiss to not mention his affinity for Mexican food.

Many people love and will miss Steve, his kind, caring ways, his boisterous laughter, the comfort his presence could bring to a room, but during this time, we hold in special prayer his wife, Cheryl Lynn Rakes; his sons, Samuel Lynn Rakes and Stephen Matthew Rakes (Brandy) and his grandsons, Oliver and Dexter all of North Little Rock. Steve was always there for his family, and his family was there for him until his very last breath. Through the pain and the tears, we look upward to let him know we cherish the time we have here but await the day we'll see him again.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, November 17th at 6:00 PM at Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR  72116
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com