Timothy Rakes

TIMOTHY SHAWN RAKES

Timothy Shawn Rakes of Ponca City OK (prev Thorofare, NJ) died suddenly Aug.30, 2019 age 60. Timothy was born Jan 13,1959  and grew up in Oklahoma City.

In 1976 Tim joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the USS Lexington. While the Lexington was in Philadelphia, Tim went to NJ to find good country music which he did (Walt Rutledge & the Roadrunners). He also found his future wife, Bonnie. They dated four months and married; they've been married for 39 years. Their daughter Heather was  born1981 while Tim was active duty.

After the Navy, Tim worked as a ship-fitter at the Phila Shipyard where he enjoyed the camaraderie of  his group of co-workers as well as a sense of satisfaction seeing the huge tangible fruits of their labor.

Tim spent 10+ years coaching his daughter Heather's softball team, and her many soccer teams.  After that he officiated youth to young adult soccer for 10+ years. A long term member of Southwood Baptist Church, he was a church deacon for a while.  He was a board member for West Deptford Little League as well.

Tim and Bonnie moved to Oklahoma six years ago. Five of those years he worked at Dorada Foods.  No matter what he was doing, he shared special bonds with many of those that he worked side by side with. Whether while he shipfitting at the yard, officiating soccer, or volunteering, he was admired for his respectful demeanor, work ethic, integrity and honesty. Tim's favorite people possess those same qualities. He truly was a hard working man. If you needed anything, you could always count on Tim.

Survived by his wife Bonnie (nee Rutledge) of Ponca City OK (prev. West Deptford NJ), and daughter Heather Rakes, of OR. Also survived by step-mother Roberta Rakes and many cousins (OK),  Bonnie's five siblings (NJ) as well as his dogs.  Tim is pre-deceased by his father Jimmie Frank (OK), and his in-laws, Walt and Evelyn Rutledge --- as Tim said "the best inlaws a guy could have".

Please share your thoughts, prayers and memories with Bonnie on Tim's Memorial Page  www.gracememorialchapel.net/notices/Timothy-Rakes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at a www.gofundme.com/f/timothy-s-rakes-memorial-fund to help cover expenses and a move back to NJ.