Eric Raikes

When reflecting on the life of Eric Raikes, friends and family are flooded with so many memories and so many emotions, too. He was so much fun to be around and someone who was always up for a good time. Eric was a dedicated father who treasured the time he spent with his boys more than anything else in the world. He was also someone who struggled at times and in the wake of his tragic death, we are reminded that we are never alone and that no matter what life brings, our family is always there to pick us up and surround us with their unconditional love. The memories Eric leaves behind will be forever etched on the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

As the decade of the 1970s was drawing to a close, there were countless new developments that provided us with glimpses into how much the cultural fabric would be changing in America during the eighties. Technology was getting smaller as Sony introduced the walkman and with the release of the general knowledge game Trivial Pursuit, family times were forever changed. It was in 1979 that we watched Superman and Rocky II on the big screen while songs such as “I Will Survive” and “Another Brick in the Wall” saturated the airwaves. This was an unforgettable year for one young family in Fredericksburg, Virginia, since they celebrated the birth of a healthy baby boy on August 12, 1979. Eric was welcomed into the loving arms of his parents, Robert and Terri (Atwell) Raikes, and was joined in his family by his brother, Branden, and his sisters, Devin, Amy, and Audrey.

Tragedy struck early in Eric’s life with the death of his mother when he was still a young boy. As a result he and his sister, Devin, were in many ways raised by their maternal grandparents, Ralph and Geneva Atwell. The two siblings formed a close bond during the years that followed. Despite this unexpected turn of events, Eric experienced an upbringing that was rather typical for young people in the Midwest during the eighties and nineties. He lived an active lifestyle and played football until around the time he entered the eighth grade. From an early age, Eric showed an interest in cars and automotive engines, and he was never afraid to tear apart a car and rebuild it. For his education, he attended local schools including Monrovia High School.

Life was forever changed for Eric when he became a father with the birth of his first son, Braden. Eric couldn’t have been happier about being a father and shortly after came the birth of his second son, Isaiah, he was double blessed. He later married Isaiah’s mother, Lisa Payton, in 1999 and although the marriage would ultimately end in divorce, Eric was forever grateful for the son they shared together. He loved spending time with his boys and together they always had so much fun. Some of their favorite activities included fishing, playing video games, making s’mores around the campfire, and playing games like Uno and Yahtzee. In fact, children were always drawn to Eric since he was in many ways a kid at heart. He got down on their level and showed interest in the things that interested them. Eric was fun to be with and always up for a good time no matter what he was doing. He was even known to enjoy a trip to Chuck E, Cheese’s just as much as children do!

Although much of his time was spent with his boys, there were other things that kept Eric busy as well. He was currently employed as an industrial technician at SSI in Indianapolis. Eric’s love for working on cars remained with him throughout his life and was something that often filled his time. He was also a rock ‘n roll music enthusiast and although he loved listening to music, he hated the commercials!

A loving, humorous, and vibrant man, Eric Raikes colored the world around him every day. He was determined and could even be a bit stubborn at times, but he was simply someone who felt passionate about the things he believed. A devoted and fun loving father, Eric was in many ways a big kid himself who loved to laugh with those around him. Life will never be the same without him here, but the moments he shared with his friends and loved ones will remain forever near and dear to their hearts. He will be deeply missed.

Eric W. Raikes of Monrovia died February 19, 2011. Eric’s family includes his father and step-mother, Robert and Kathy Raikes of Martinsville; sons, Isaiah Thomas Raikes and Braden Gage Giddens; brother, Branden Wilson of Florida; sisters, Devin Adams (Elliott) of Camby, Amy Escobar (Marcus) of Mooresville, Audrey Lang (Travis) of Washington; grandparents, Ralph and Geneva Atwell of Freetown; Bobby and Nita Raikes of Martinsville; step brother, Larry Lee (Rachel) of Mooresville; step sister, Melissa Huffman (Scott) of Monrovia; many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Eric was preceded in death by his mother, Terri (Atwell) Wilson. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2011, in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville, with calling there from 4-8 p.m., Monday, February 21, 2011. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall. Please visit http://www.lifestorynet.com/memories/66806 to share a favorite memory, sign the online guest registry, or make a memorial contribution to Riley Hospital for Children.