Trimmer Billy Jeff “Sarge” Rakestraw of Cobb County, Georgia, has died at age 90.
Sarge was born on April 2, 1932, in Cobb County and attended Douglas County High School in Douglasville. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War.
He proudly served for 20 years and received numerous awards and medals, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal, according to his obituary. As a member of the Air Defense Guided Missile Group, he was trained to use nuclear weapons with secret clearance.
After retiring from the Army in 1969, he returned to Cobb County and worked a number of jobs — including construction, carpet installation and HVAC — before opening an auto upholstery repair business.
In his time off, Sarge enjoyed playing golf and cards, fishing, going to the dog track, traveling and family gatherings.
“Sarge had a very magnetic and unique personality,” his obituary says. “He never met a stranger and was always able to make you laugh and smile. He had a gift for telling stories to all his family and friends about his life’s experiences, especially ones about his days while serving in the military.”
Sadly, he died on December 26, 2022. May he Rest In Peace.
Leave a Reply