Brett Owen Rakestraw

Madison: Brett Owen Rakestraw, 42, of 298 Crowder Rd., Madison, NC passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, January 9, 2017. The funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Friday, January 13, 2017 at Smyrna Presbyterian Church with Dr. Mark Harris officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. A lifelong resident of the Wentworth Community, Brett was a 1993 graduate of Rockingham County High School where he excelled in football, wrestling, baseball and piano. After high school, he attended NC State University and later graduated as a horticulturist from Rockingham Community College. Brett was a member of Smyrna Presbyterian Church and attended New Lebanon Church. After receiving his degree, he opened The Plant Ranch where he grew pumpkins, flowers, and vegetables. He sold his plants and produce locally and at the Piedmont Triad Farmer’s Market. Also, he owned a successful landscaping business, and he sold firewood and fresh sausage in the fall and winter. Later, Brett shared his knowledge and experience through his work at the Chinqa Penn Greenhouses and as an instructor at RCC. Brett most enjoyed farming, deer hunting, fishing, turtle hunting and softball. Brett was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Russell and Sallie Rakestraw and his maternal grandparents, Caris and Arlene Griffith. He is survived by his daughter, Isabella Gray who was his pride and joy, wife Heather Patterson; his parents, Lee and Ginger Rakestraw; brothers, Dwayne (wife Paula), Brad (wife Jennifer) and “special cousin/brother” Kevin Dixon (wife Becky). He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews, McKinsey, Jasper, JT, Erin, Emma, Winter, Levi, as well as numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for Isabella’s future education at www.gofundme.com and search “Brett Rakestraw,” or checks may be directly mailed to Paula Rakestraw at 595 Foxwood Road, Madison, NC 27025. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Wilkerson Funeral Home and other times at his parents home (350 Bakers Crossroad Rd.). Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com