Hoy Junior Raikes, age 95, of Cedar Hill, TX, died Friday, August 25, 2023, at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston, WV.
He was born July 7, 1928, in Holy Grove, WV, a son of the late Hoy Jasper and Ressie May Phillips Raikes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Audrey Raikes and his siblings, Oneita Reger, Bland “Nub” Raikes, Merwyn Raikes, Regina Helmick, Harold Raikes and Odbert Raikes.
He is survived by one daughter, Emma “Gina” Hodges and husband Mickey; seven grandchildren, John Fincher and wife Jaci, Jamie Bear, Ryan Hoy Fincher, Crissy Reich and husband Joe, Carisa Hodges-Kaplitz and husband Bob, Angie Dotson and husband Andrew and Grant Fincher and wife Khristina; 14 great grandchildren, Libby Fincher, Liam Dotson, Blake Bear, Wes Fincher, Keaton Hoy Blanch, Emma Reich, Peyton Fincher, Mackenzie Reich, Hayden Fincher, Raegan Cooley and husband Austin, Jaquelin Lopez, Grayson Fincher, Brooke Fincher-Oliver and Jordan Fincher-Oliver; one great-great grandson, Abel Fincher-Oliver and numerous nieces and nephews that he held close to his heart.
Mr. Raikes served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a Sergeant and was the Regional Superintendent for the United States Postal Service. Hoy was a husband, a father, a grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle. He was a friend to all who knew him, the first to offer help in times of need, and he always made time for those around him. There was no problem too large and no celebration too small.
He was wise, honest and sincere. He lived a very full and engaging life. Some of his toys over the years were sailboats, motorcycles, ATVs, a backhoe and tractors. He was also a ham radio operator and a storm chaser. He had a natural talent for music and could play the bass fiddle, organ, piano and guitar. He believed in fixing things himself and looked at most obstacles in life as opportunities for growth.
One of his often-shared quotes were, “Don’t make a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” Another is, “If you’re ever in a losing situation, do the right thing. At least you can walk away with a clear conscience.”
He was a warm and wonderful man to know.
Friends will be received Tuesday, August 29, 2023, from 2 PM to 4 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 4 PM at the funeral home with the Rev. Eugene Helmick officiating. The Upshur County Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, TX.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate it if you could share a special memory on the digital guestbook.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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