Columbia - On April 17, 2016, Sunday at 1:00 p.m., this world lost a HERO, outstanding granddaddy, great father, wonderful loving husband, but Heaven gained a Great Man of God. This was a man who loved people and always gave his best to help others and tell them the story of Jesus.

Beginning June 12, 1929 the battle started. Being born on an Indian Reservation in Tennessee, where Indians were not respected or accepted, Johnny had to fight his way through life. Not knowing where he was going or where he would end up in life, he raised his age to obtain employment to help his family. Immediately he was drafted in the Army. At the tender age of 15, after turning 16, Johnny was sent to Philippines and was on his way to become what made him the way he was today. The many battles that were fought, Korean War, World War II, (fighting in the Philippines) Vietnam (troop training), and other conflicts gave him the determination to fight for, not only his life, but for this country that he loved so much. This last battle was not one that he was willing to give up easily. He fought hard but in the end the massive infection took over his body. But this was not before, on April 16, 2016, at 10:00 in the morning, at Providence Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina, Staff Sgt. Johnny L. Raines, was award the Purple Heart, of which he fought so hard for. This would be his final battle of which he would win and was honored for his bravery. The ceremony took place with the United States Flag proudly hanging behind him, and was awarded by SGM Thomas Burns, US Army (RET). Friends and family all gathered around him and congratulated him while streams of happy tears fell from his face. With family and friends gathered around him he stated he was happy and his mission was complete. He was ready to go home. There was no more fighting, no more pain, or regrets, it was now complete. He gave us all kisses and hugs, told Mom he loved her, thanked everyone and closed his eyes. In our heart we knew we would never see those beautiful blue-green eyes again. Knowing that he was at peace, the Lord called him home to be honored in Heaven. He ran the race and ran it hard, even in the end, giving it his all.

Johnny L. Raines was born June 12, 1929 on the Cherokee reservation of Grassy Fork, Tennessee. His parents were Wid Raines and Sarah Raines; of which two brothers and two sisters were born; Jimmy E. Raines and Harrison Davis, Laura Raines Stamey, and Alice Raines Newton all of Hickory, North Carolina (Alice Raines Newton, being the only surviving child). He was married to Lillian S. Williams on October 17, 1952. While serving his country Johnny was awarded five bronze awards, one Silver Star, The Purple Heart and many other battle conflict awards. While in battle Johnny had to make many decisions of leading his troops of which one single decision saved many lives. They lived an exciting life traveling all over Europe and returning to the United States in 1967. He retired from the US Army in Fort Sill, Oklahoma at the age of 38. He was employed by Redwood/Hiers Cafeteria where he was manager for seven years. Parts of the highlights of this employment were serving Senator Strom Thurmond, Nancy Thurmond and Vice President Agnew. He was honored by them for his outstanding performance.
Johnny made another life changing decision in 1973; he wanted to go to college. Finally in August of 1977 he graduated with a double major in Business Management and Marketing. This lead to employment with SC Department of Mental Health where he was employed as Food Service Director and retired May of 1992. Due to his eagerness to stay active he formed Raines Catering. This continued for many years. In 1990 the family opened a childcare center where he served as the food director and also became President of Accu-Tec Accounting and Tax Service. Johnny was an active member of Bayview Baptist Church since 1964. He served as Chairman of the Deacons, Sunday School Teacher and many other committees.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lillian S. Raines. They had four children, Johnny L. Raines, Jr. (deceased November 7th, 2009) and his former companion, Frances Poorbough; daughter, Jackie S. Raines married to Rev. Edgardo (Eggie) Figueroa, their son Jeremiah D. Figueroa; son, David W. Raines, and his children, Tyler D. Raines and Brent Raines; daughter, Carol J. Raines, married to Benjamin A. Gurganious, their children, Ashley J. Gurganious, and Ryan L. Gurganious, all of Columbia, South Carolina.

The service for Mr. Raines will be held at 11:30 o'clock, Friday, April 22nd, at Bayview Baptist Church. Burial will follow with full military honors in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The Rev. Edgardo Figueroa and the Rev. Robert Morgan will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o'clock, Thursday, April 21st, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia. Memorials may be sent in honor of Mr. Raines to Bayview Baptist Church, 5300 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29204.