Billy Lillard Raines

Billy Lillard Raines

Billy Lillard Raines died Sunday, September 8, 2013 at the Tennessee State Veteran's Home in Humboldt, Tennessee with family members by his side.

Mr. Raines was born April 18, 1920. His parents, the late Noble and Bessie Lillard Raines, had seven children who all grew up on the family farm in the Malesus Community. Mr. Raines was educated at Malesus School and was married to the former Ora Belle Wood on April 27, 1946 in Corinth, Mississippi. They were married 65 years, living in the Malesus community until her death in 2011.

During World War II, Mr. Raines served in the Army Air Corp and returned to his job at the Milan Army Ammunition Plant upon his discharge. He retired as a firefighter from MAAP in 1985 after 40 years of service. Upon retirement, he took a part-time position with the Madison County Sanitation Department on Oil Well Road, while keeping up the family homeplace and raising cattle and goats.

As a young man, Mr. Raines enjoyed hunting and had a love of animals and nature throughout his life. He was a collector and treasured his photographs and the history of his family and the Malesus community. Mr. Raines was an active member of Malesus Baptist Church for 77 years-serving as a deacon in that congregation for over 45 years. He was also a member of the Ebenezer Cemetery Committee and worked tirelessly to keep the cemetery maintained.

Mr. Raines loved his family and looked forward to their visits and sharing meals with them.

He is survived by two daughters and one son, Sandra Watlington (husband David), Ruth Richardson (husband Rick) and Dr. Bob Raines (wife Kate); eight grandchildren, Jeff Watlington (wife Nikki), Greg Watlington (wife Jacquie), Matthew Spitzer (wife Chelsey), Jon Spitzer (wife Stephanie), Emily Walker (husband Jason), Eron Raines, Sam Raines and Hannah Raines; twelve great-grandchildren, Katie, Caleb, Evelyn and William Watlington, Hadley, Christopher and Layla Spitzer, Noah Cotham, Simon Spitzer, Analeigh, Wyatt, Trent and Ethan Walker; two sisters, Mrs. Marinel Cavender and Mrs. Rosabel Alford; special friend, Charlotte Hammond.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at Malesus Baptist Church, with Bro. Mark Cagle and Dr. Jerry Barker officiating. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery with military rites. Grandchildren will serve as Pallbearers.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the staff at the Tennessee State Veteran's Home in Humboldt for all their loving care for their Dad.

Memorials may be made to the Malesus Baptist Church, 480 Old Malesus Road, Jackson, TN 38301.

Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home, 731-424-2424.