Joe Frank Rakestraw, 89, of Martinsville, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2021, with his wife and daughter by his side. He was born on February 7, 1932, in Stoneville, NC, to the late Charlie F and Viola Smith Rakestraw. He was preceded in death by brothers Walter and Roy Rakestraw and sisters Helen Joyce, Irene Nichols, Myrtle Martin, Annie Clark, Ida Shelton, Della Vernon, Marie Joyce and Lillian Shelton.  Joe was retired from VDOT. He was a proud United States Marine Corp Veteran. He enjoyed meeting his friends at Hardees and Bo-Jangles for music. He loved fishing and enjoyed NASCAR racing. Joe was a member of Friendly Christian Church. He was a honorary member of Horsepasture Volunteer Fire Department, a life member of VFW Post 7800 and had served on Patrick County Veteran Memorial Honor Guard.  Joe is survived by his wife Sara Rea Rakestraw and beloved daughter Dr. Vanessa S. Rakestraw. Joe is also survived by a sister Ann Rakestraw Fuller and brother-in-law George (Susanne) Rea and several nieces and nephews.  Friends may visit and sign the register book from 2 until 4 Wednesday December 8, 2021, in the Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home. The family has requested services be private with full military honors. Burial will be in Roselawn Burial Park.