Mr. Donald Ray Rachels

Mr. Donald Ray Rachels, age 76 of Ararat, VA, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2014, at Forsyth Medical Center. Mr. Rachels was born in Surry County on November 22, 1937 to Earl Franklin and Celia Key Rachels. He proudly served our country in the United States Air Force and Navy and was a former member of VFW Post 2019. He was a member of Union Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Rachels also owned and operated Rachels Heating and Air. He enjoyed life to the fullest exploring many daring adventures from flying planes to riding Harley's and was known as a wonderfully friendly person who never met a stranger. Mr. Rachels was also a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Surviving are his devoted wife, Brenda Harrell Rachels; daughters and sons-in-law, Kristi and Roger Horton of Mt. Airy, Lisa and Eddie Snody of Westfield, Jane and Lance Knight of Mt. Airy, Lisa and Mark Billings of Mt. Airy and Beverly and Galen Shields of Virginia Beach, VA; sons and daughters-in-law, Donald Mark Rachels of Sparta, Wayne and Janet Marshall of Mt. Airy, Gary and Jennifer Marshall of Ararat, VA; nineteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, his mother-in-law, Bertha Harrell, a special brother-in-law, Rev. Porter Harrell and special furry friends Ruby Doobie and Spot. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Moody Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Avery Branch. Burial will follow in Harrell Family Cemetery with military honors by VFW Memorial Honor Guard Mt. Airy Post 2019 and Pilot Mountain Post 9436. The family will receive friends Tuesday night from 6:00 to 8:00 at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.