Jesse Grey Raines

Our Dad, Jesse Grey Raines, aged 91, passed peacefully on December 6, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. A native of Johnston County, his younger years were spent in Clayton, NC. He is preceded in death by his parents Riley and Eunice Stafford Raines, his brother Charles Raines, his first wife Harriet Raines Squires, his second wife Erma Ray Raines, a grandson Kevin Raines, a granddaughter Denise Warren, and his special friend Charlotte Weaver.  He is survived by his five children, Donald Raines, Sharon Raines Warren (John), Sandra Raines Hooks (Ed), all of Mebane, Angela Raines Patton (Kenny) of Snow Camp, and Mark Raines (Trish) of Greensboro, a stepson Jeff Ray (Michelle) of Burlington. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Daddy enjoyed a long life and accomplished a great deal. During his years at Mebane High School he played football, basketball, was a member of the Key Club, a bus driver, and met his first wife, Harriet Rice (deceased). Later, he attended Elon College.

His work career included 35 years at Western Electric, where he received recognition for his suggestion for the company that saved thousands of dollars each year. The cost savings were among the largest ever in the Federal Systems Division. His diverse career included being a farmer, raising hogs, and being a steward of the land investing his time and energy in gardening, flowers, tobacco, soybeans, and corn. Finally, a huge part of his life, ministry. He was an avid reader of the Bible and copious resource books. He was well versed and shared his love of the gospel with his family, friends, and so many others he visited in their homes, nursing homes, and hospitals. He had the gift of prayer, and it was a true blessing to know he was praying for you and blessing the food. Daddy’s early studies included being ordained to the work of the gospel ministry at Belmont Baptist Church in 1982.  Later, his ministry included serving in the United Methodist Church as Sunday School Superintendent, many years as a Sunday School teacher, Bible Study leader, a member of the choir, and the Methodist Men’s group. Through the United Methodist Church he took several Lay Speaking Ministry Advanced Courses to become a Certified Lay Speaker, enabling him to serve as a guest speaker beyond his local church which he did on numerous occasions. He has attended Mebane UMC throughout his last years. Dad has enjoyed visits from his pastors, stating, “what a blessing to have someone visit you.”

Daddy’s love of sports continued throughout his life; both at the high school and collegiate levels. He wore his Appalachian State University ball cap everywhere and he was always amazed at how many people commented on his hat! He loved Duke basketball and football, and he loved Eastern Alamance High School. He would watch and cheer on his children, grandchildren, and so many others in the community. He proudly served as EAHS President of the Booster’s Club during the 1980-1982 years.

Daddy will be sorely missed. He has left us with life lessons, lots of memories, lots of love, a tremendous amount of support, and most importantly the knowledge of the love of God and Jesus Christ. Today, Daddy is exactly where he has lived his life to be, at the feet of Jesus, his body is healed, and his eyes are witnessing all the glory!

“All the rivers of Thy Grace I claim, over every promise write my name” is inscribed on his headstone. That refrain resonated with him. It is a line from the song The Penitent’s Plea by Herbert Booth.

The family extends many sincere and heartfelt thanks to all the caring nurses, nurse aides, social workers, the PA, and the Chaplains at AuthoraCare Burlington for providing loving care to our Daddy. A special thank you to Shelby Kueider and Paul Carter as you provided loving and patient care for dad in his home. Thank you to Reverend Jeff Nash and Reverend Aaron Hayworth for your visits, love, conversations, and prayers.

The family will receive friends at McClure Funeral Home, 1308 South Third Street, Mebane on December 11, 2024, from 6:00 Pm until 8:00 PM and other times at the residence of his daughter, Sharon. The celebration of life service will be in the McClure Funeral Home Chapel in Mebane at 2:00 PM on December 12, 2024, officiated by Pastor Ernie Keck, Reverend Doug Lain, and Reverend Aaron Hayworth. Burial will follow at Hebron Community Church cemetery (Formally Hebron UMC) 2325 Mebane Oaks Road, Mebane, NC.

Remembrances of Dad may be made to AuthoraCare Burlington, Mebane UMC, or an animal charity of your choice. Dad fed many cats in his community.