Raymond (Ray) Branscom Rakes

Celebrating a life well lived

Raymond (Ray) Branscom Rakes, 89, of Stuart, VA passed away on September 4, 2025. Born on September 10, 1935 in White Gate, VA he was the son of the late Elder Dewey Branscom Rakes and Viola May (Sink) Rakes.

Ray proudly served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1960, as a Boatswain's Mate aboard the USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754). He later worked for Northrup Grumman as a field service engineer and had a distinguished career in various locations, including Kelly AFB, TX, and Hill AFB, UT.

Ray's life was filled with love, adventure, and creativity. In 1955 he married Roberta Sims with whom he had two children, Cathi & Randy and lived in California. He was actively involved in the South Bay community theater scene, best known for his portrayal of Sancho Panza in Man of La Mancha. Ray also built a ranch in Floresville, TX where he raised horses, ponies, and farm animals. He also trained quarter horses for competitions. Ray married Ann Tomich in 1984, and together they built up the ranch and spent many joyful years ranching and hosting grandchildren during the summers.

Music played an essential role in Ray’s life, particularly his love for the guitar. He enjoyed pickin’ and singin’ with his brothers whenever they gathered. He had a deep passion for car racing, starting with mini stock cars, and was a big NASCAR fan attending races with his brother Everett.

In his later years, Ray and Ann retired in Stuart, VA where Ray was a proud member of the Mountain Home Masonic Lodge No. 263, receiving the honor of Mason of the Year in 2010. He was also an active member of Stuart Baptist Church, managing the church’s sound system and serving his community in numerous ways. Known for his sense of humor, Ray affectionately adopted the pseudonym “Kadiddlehopper,” inspired by the Red Skelton character Clem Kadiddlehopper.

Ray is survived by his brother, H. Everett Rakes (Linda) of Stuart; his daughter, Cathi Yates of Athens, AL; his stepdaughter, Rena Ferrell (John) of Overland Park, KS; his grandchildren Trista Burgreen (Justin) of Athens, AL, Tori Reece (Kurtis) of Newport Coast, CA, Cindy Ferrell (Kevin) of Overland Park, KS, Ryan Yates of Moorpark, CA, and Sean Ferrell of Overland Park, KS; his great-grandchildren, Juniper Reece and Caleb Ferrell; brother-in-law, Robert Most of Stuart and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Ann (Tomich); his son, Randy; his sisters, Lulu Mae Dalton (Edward), Gladys Barnard (Charles), Mary Jane Lumpkin (Thomas), Shirley Jean Rakes; his brother, James Rakes; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11:00A.M. at Stuart Baptist Church in Stuart, VA, with Pastor Thomas Walker officiating. Burial will be private. Family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the PAWS (Patrick County Animal Welfare Society), P.O. Box 743, Stuart, VA 24171, in Ray's memory. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.