Obituary - Roy E Rachel Jr

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Roy M. Rachel Jr., 79, of 213 Randolph St., Bristol, Va., died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 1002, at Wellmont Hospice House.
Mr. Rachel was a native of Bristol Virginia, and a member of North Bristol Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and was treasurer of the church for many years. He was active in Meals on Wheels, Bristol Cancer Group and served the community any where he was needed as a volunteer.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a bombardier and gunner.
He was retired from the Tennessee Eastman Company where he worked for a number of years.
Mr. Rachel loved his family, his church and the Virginia High School Athletics, where he was a dedicated Bearcat fan.
Mr. Rachel is survived by his wife, Agnes M. Rachel of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Rusty and Nancy R. Arnold of Bristol Virginia, Barbara R. Smith of Bristol Virginia, and Rick and Vickie Lynn Shupe of Dallas; four grandchildren, Whitney Reed, Derrick Arnold, Tiffany Parker and Makenzie Shupe; and seven great-grandchildren, Brandon Arnold, Justin Hicks, Josh Arnold, Justin Reed, Lindsey Hicks, Thomas Parker and Tyler Parker.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Akard Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Eric Godfrey, Rev. Scott Price and Rev. Malcolm Stuart. Music will be by Danny Hill. Burial will be Friday at 1 p.m. in Mountain View Cemetery with military graveside services conducted by Patton-Crosswhite Post 6975. Pallbearers will be Wilbur Hall, Keith Blevins, Leighton Musick, Norman Smallwood, Jim Goodman and Ike Anderson. Honorary pallbearers will be remaining deacon body and special friends, Rev. Lester MacKinnon, Rev. Charlie Taylor, Luther Large, Joe Rigole, Roy Morrison, E.J. Johnson, Harvey Rector, Charlie Cross, Allen Smith and the Virginia High Bearcats. Visitation will be held Thursday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Akard Funeral Home prior to the service.
Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Rachel.