Bill F. Rakestraw was born to Cecil and Jessie (Callon) Rakestraw at Shattuck, Oklahoma on March 8, 1935. The family farm was south of Fargo, Oklahoma. Bill attended school at Gage Public Schools graduating with the class of 1953. He then continued his education at Reisch Auctioneering School graduating in 1957.

Bill married Rita Martin on December 11, 1955 at the Church of Christ in Arnett, Oklahoma. The union was blessed with four children, Eldon Wayne, John Wesley, Reece Don and Debra Jan. The family lived on the farm southwest of Fargo until 1987 when they moved into Fargo.

Bill owned and ran a dairy farm until 1971 but his true calling was being an Auctioneer. He enjoyed helping his grandchildren in FFA and watching them in their athletic events. He was a long time supporter of the Fargo Athletics and FFA programs. He and four other gentlemen made up the Dairy Sale Corporation in 1973 which covered five states.

Bill received many honors and awards throughout his lifetime including Honorary Chapter Farmer and Honorary State Farmer. He served as a Judge for the National Auctioneer competition. Bill was also a member of the Church of Christ.

Bill passed from this life on July 26, 2008 at the age of 73 and was preceded in death by his son Eldon, a sister Joan, and his parents Cecil and Jessie Rakestraw.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Rita of the home; daughter, Debra and husband Jack Looney of Fargo; sons, John Rakestraw of Fargo and Reece Rakestraw of Woodward; foster-son Richard Plank of Mannford, OK; grandchildren, Wylie, Grady, Abby, and Dakota; and great-grandchildren Michael, Landon, Dylan, and Aubrey;