(Paulding County, GA) The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office mourns the loss of one of their own Deputies. Deputy Allen Rakestraw, who had been with the Sheriff’s Office for nearly 14 years, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, February 22, 2024, after suffering a medical emergency. He was 43 years old when he passed.

Deputy Rakestraw was an 8th-generation Paulding County resident and always dreamed of becoming a Deputy Sheriff in Paulding County. In September of 2012, that dream came to fruition when he began his career as a Jailer at the Sheriff’s Office. Soon after, he became a Deputy Sheriff in June of 2013 when he graduated from basic mandate training at the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy.

Deputy Rakestraw worked in the Uniform Patrol Division where he lived out his dream by helping keep our county safe. In addition to his duties in the Uniform Patrol Division, Deputy Rakestraw was also tasked with helping maintain the Sheriff’s Office law enforcement radios. In September of 2015, Deputy Rakestraw transitioned to a part-time status while he focused his efforts on his general contracting company. In his part-time capacity, Deputy Rakestraw was responsible for communications (radios and cell phones) for the Sheriff’s Office. At the time of his passing, Deputy Rakestraw still oversaw radios and cell phones for the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Rakestraw’s funeral arrangements will be handled by Benson’s Funeral Home in Dallas. The visitation will be on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, and the service will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

Visitation: New Season Church
Tuesday, February 27, 2024 - 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Service: New Season Church
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - 11:00 AM

Interment: Paulding Memorial Gardens
Following the Service:

New Season Church
4457 Atlanta Highway
Hiram, GA 30141

Paulding Memorial Gardens
3566 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway
Hiram, GA 30141

Sheriff Gary Gulledge stated, “I am heartbroken by the loss of Allen. He was more than a Deputy, he was my friend. Allen was one of the driving forces behind my original campaign for Sheriff. Without his help, I don’t know if I would be our Sheriff today. I am forever indebted to Allen for his service to myself and our community.”

Please keep the men and women of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, along with Deputy Rakestraw’s family, in your thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks.