Honoring a Lifetime of Service to Walton County

Permanent courthouse plaque honors late Major Ethaniel Rakestraw’s 38 years of service

Photo credit: Walton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook.

MONROE, Ga. — More than seven years after his passing, the legacy of Major Ethaniel Rakestraw continues to live on in the Walton County community he served for nearly four decades.

Rakestraw dedicated 38 years of his life to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, faithfully serving and protecting the community until his death on April 25, 2019.

Now, his service has been permanently memorialized with a plaque inside the Walton County Courthouse, honoring his decades of dedication to Walton County and the people he served.

At the time of his death, Rakestraw was remembered as a beloved member of both the law enforcement community and Walton County. Flags were flown at half-staff, and his viewing was held at the Walton County Government Building.

The recent plaque dedication brought together members of Rakestraw’s family and his law enforcement family to honor his life and legacy.

“His family joined us for the dedication, making this a particularly meaningful moment as we honored his legacy and the lasting impact he made on Walton County — 38 years of service,” the Walton County Sheriff’s Office said.

In a Facebook post highlighting the dedication, WCSO added, “A lifetime of dedication. A legacy that will never be forgotten. We are grateful for Major Rakestraw’s service and proud to ensure his memory remains a part of the community he served.”

The permanent plaque now stands as a lasting reminder of Rakestraw’s commitment to Walton County and the 38 years he devoted to serving his community.

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