Richard Allen Raines, Sr.

HRichard Allen Raines Sr.

Richard Allen Raines Sr., 84, of Trent Woods, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026 after a brief but courageous battle with leukemia, surrounded by the love of his family.

Richard was born in Westernport, Maryland, to Harold Paul Raines and Mildred Louise (Westfall) Raines. He graduated from Bruce High School and later earned an Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering. In the 1960s, he proudly served four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era.

Following his military service, Richard dedicated his professional career to work supporting the United States Department of Defense. Known for his sharp intellect, technical skill, and ability to solve complex problems, he took great pride in his work helping safeguard the country. His passion for his profession continued throughout his life, and he remained active in his career until retiring at the age of 82.

Above all else, Richard was devoted to his family. He shared more than 60 loving years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jo Ann Raines. Together they built a strong and faithful family that remained the center of his life.

Richard was a man of deep faith, unwavering loyalty, and quiet strength. He was admired for his wisdom, quick wit, and thoughtful perspective. Those who knew him valued his ability to listen carefully, offer guidance, and approach life’s challenges with patience and clarity.

In his free time, Richard enjoyed reading, writing, fishing, gardening and cooking. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, sharing stories, laughter, and the wisdom he carried throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his son, Richard Allen Raines Jr., and by his brothers Norman, Thomas, Gene, Gary, and Roger Raines.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Ann Raines; his children, Stefanie Raines Firestone and her husband Russell Firestone III, and David Ward Raines; his grandchildren, Julie Ann Raines Trent (Terry Trent), Taylor Raines Basolene (William Basolene), Genevieve Firestone, Russell Firestone IV, Alexander Firestone, and Charles Firestone; and his great-grandchildren, Kaylee Trent, Matthew Trent, Zachary Trent, Thomas Trent, Benjamin Trent, Jessica Basolene, and Emerald Basolene.

Richard will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him and will forever be remembered as the devoted patriarch of his family. A private family memorial service will be planned this spring.

High Flight

By John Gillespie Magee Jr.

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

of sun-split clouds,—and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of—wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air ....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue

I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace

Where never lark, or even eagle flew—

And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.