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Cleotis Raines Obituary
Melbourne - Cleotis, 87, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 5th. He was born on April 15, 1931 in Melbourne, FL to James and Gussie Raines. He attended the local public schools of Brevard County, graduating from Melbourne Vocational High School in 1950. After graduating from Bethune Cookman College in 1957 and serving in the Army he returned to Melbourne where he taught for 43 years at Stone (High, Junior High and Middle) School.
The Funeral & Viewing will be held at: Greater Allen Chapel AME Church 2416 Lipcomb St. Melbourne, FL 32901. Viewing: April 13th 5-7 PM. Funeral: April 14th at 11 AM.
He leaves his wife of 59 years Mamie; son, Rodney (Sharon); 2 granddaughters, Lauren & Rachel; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cleotis Raines
Sponsored by Stone Funeral Home - Melbourne.
Milton & Kathy Moore
April 15, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the family and loving friends. Mr. Raines was loved by many; near and far. I can remember; he used to go down to Vero Beach and we asked him what he did down there? He said he enjoyed picking the fruits; we could never understand, how he could enjoy that hard work!! Please know that we send comforting prayers and heartfelt sympathy. Cherish all the loving memories he left behind; because they will get you through the difficult times.
April 14, 2018
My husband and I worked with Mr.Raines at Stone Middle School for many years he was a true gentleman and will be missed. Judith and Edward Cochran
Dawn Reichert- Williams
April 13, 2018
I had the pleasure of being in Mr. Raines History class at Stone. One of the greatest most memorable teachers I have had. I talk about him still today. I wasn't a huge fan of History class, but he made the class so much fun. Not only did he teach us History but true life experiences to get us ready for life. I have always remembered and talked about Mr Sunshine. If you feel asleep in his class he would tell you this is not Raines motel. Truly amazing man. My prayers are with the Raines family.
Jonna MIillard
April 13, 2018
One of the most memorable teachers. Left such an impact on me, I have continued to think about him and talk about over the years. I still have my junior high school yearbook that he signed, I'm 43 now! Thinking of his family during this time.
Laurie Lucas
April 13, 2018
I had Mr. Raines for history at Stone and he was always of of my favorite teachers and always looked forward to going to his class. He shared so much knowledge to his students not just about history but about life in general. Will never forget his two famous phrases: Go see Mr. Sunshine and don't flip your bic (ink pen) in my class, this has stuck with me for life. May you RIP and most thoughts and prayer to the Raines family.
Edward Triebell
April 12, 2018
IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF MR. RAINES - a man who taught us not only history in books but about life at Stone Middle School. Mr Raines had a directness and passion that was captivating. He taught us about self respect and integrity.
He constantly talked about the perils of drugs and always how he always wore short sleeves so you could see he didn't have any marks in his arms.
His passion as a teacher, not just books, but life made all of us better students and much better adults.
RIP, Mr. Raines!! The memory and influence of you has helped all of us be much better students and adults. THANK YOU! God bless you and your family!!
April 12, 2018
I had the opportunity to have Mr.Raines in my Eighth grade year at Stone Middle school.one thing I still can hear him say is..If you talk in my class,you will sit outside with Mr Sunshine..May he rest in peace..
Ed Kinsel
April 12, 2018
I was fortunate to have worked with Mr. Raines my 1st several years at Stone Jr. High. He was very gracious with his time and knowledge. He will be missed by all.
Mr. Raines, Rest in Peace
David Robertson
April 12, 2018
Mr. Raines was certainly one of the most charismatic and memorable people, let alone teachers, I had the honor of spending time with in my youth back in the early/ mid 1970's. To his wife and family, take comfort in knowing he touched so many people in such a positive and inspirational way. If we have any say in how our own personal heavens are fashioned, surely he is driving around in the latest model Cadillac, dressed to the nines with a pocket full of folding money and an endless audience to be spellbound by his energetic story telling. God Bless you Mr. Raines. My life is richer for having known you all those years ago! Rest in eternal peace with our heavenly father.
April 12, 2018
What a Wonderful teacher he was!!! I LOVED his classes!!! My Condolences to his Family!!! Rest in Peace Mr. Raines!!!
Kimberly Dick Payton
April 12, 2018
He was a very special man with a very loving wife and son. His wife was my teacher at Johnson Jr high and also was friends with my parents. My deepest condolences to Mrs Raines and family. God bless you all
Stephanie Hodge
April 12, 2018
Mr. Raines was one of my favorite teachers. He really cared for his students and enjoyed teaching. I can still hear him, Go see Mr. Sunshine. My prayers go to his families. 43 years as a teacher...thats a lot of peoples lives that he touched.
Trudy Cordle
April 12, 2018
Mr. Raines was one of my favorite teachers at Stone!! I loved History, and he's part of the reason!! He made everything interesting. I remember one time it was raining, and the fire alarm went off. He refused to let us go outside; he didn't want any of us to get sick, as had happened before. Some of the students were upset, I was thrilled to stay inside!! I have fond memories of his classes. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Lawson Vitello
April 12, 2018
Praying for the family.
Shelley Tugie/Amalberti
April 12, 2018
RIP MR. Raines you thought me at Stone.
Jennifer
April 12, 2018
God bless you and your family, Mr. Raines. I enjoyed his U.S. History class at Stone in the late 80s. He was always a class act and dressed the part too, wearing full suits even in the Florida heat! Thank you for being an example of honor and respect to so many kids who I'm sure still don't flick their Bic (ink pen) to this day and love visiting Mr. Sunshine!
Linda Word
April 12, 2018
Mr Raines
A very special and gifted teacher who showed so much care for his students. He was another of the great teachers at Stone School and will always be remembered for showing students that they could have more in life if they worked hard at it.
Condolences to the Raines family and all extended family members he was awesome and may he now be in comfort and be with his parents in heaven. May GOD get you through this time of losing a loved one.
Linda King Word
Kim Nie
April 12, 2018
I had Mr. Raines for one year year at Stone Middle School.. He made me feel welcome as a new student coming from the north.. RIP my friend.. You have brought back so many memories including you..
Great teacher....
Kim Nie
April 12, 2018
I had Mr. Raines for one year year at Stone Middle School.. He made me feel welcome as a new student coming from the north.. RIP my friend.. You have brought back so many memories including you..
Great teacher....
Lisa Cantoni
April 12, 2018
Mr. Raines will always be remembered as one of the best teachers I ever had. RIP Mr. Raines and thank you for your service to our country and your continued service to our community.
Delores Jeab Gervin
April 12, 2018
Thanks for teaching me to drive. One summer you taught Driver's Ed and I took your class. Passed and been a good driver.
Steven Anderson
April 12, 2018
As a former student of Mr Raines I have so many stories and memories of his class room he was an amazing teacher with some very interesting ways of getting the ideas across RIP Mr Raines and I'll always remember your favorite saying Get to the deans office
Hope Mclean
April 11, 2018
He was a great teacher
Angela Weaver
April 11, 2018
Former Stone Middle School Student . Mr. Raines truly made a difference in our lives.
April 11, 2018
RIP Mr. Raines really enjoyed being in your class.
April 11, 2018
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Gamma Nu Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
April 10, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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