Ronald "Ronnie" Raynes

Ronald “Ronnie” Louis Raynes, 74, of Taylors, went home to Heaven on September 4, 2013, while at Rolling Green Village Health Care. He was the son of the late Reuben and Esther Miller Raynes of Annandale, Virginia, and the widower of Bonnie Wilbanks Raynes, his wife of almost 55 years, who passed away less than three months ago. In May 1939, Ronnie was born in Washington, D.C., but grew up primarily in Virginia. He married Bonnie in September 1958 at Faith Temple Church, Taylors, South Carolina. The couple moved to the Northern Virginia area, where they raised two children: Renee Charleen (Mitchell Cunningham) and Richard “Rick” Louis (Melanie McManus). Both couples now live in Greer, South Carolina. Known for his clear tenor voice, Ronnie sung for a gospel quartet, “The Southern Gates” when he was young. Later, he had a nearly thirty year career with Virginia Concrete Co., in addition to operating his own concrete construction business. He was a talented woodworker, making everything from birdhouses and whirligigs to custom furniture. He liked football and took pride in taking excellent care of his trucks and cars. “Retiring” to South Carolina, Ronnie worked another fifteen years at Christ Church Episcopal School, Greenville, where he made many friends with his generous servant’s attitude, a true model of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a friend to many, always willing to lend a hand, share valuable advice, or just chat. His neighbors knew him for his neat house, organized garage, and clipped lawn, and for the tomatoes he grew and shared. His address book was overflowing with the names of friends whom he cared for and who cared for him. Ronnie and Bonnie were both active members of Praise Cathedral Church of God, Greer, South Carolina, where they enjoyed church events and special programs in the company of many close friends there. Surviving are daughter, Renee (Mitchell) Cunningham; and son, Richard (Melanie) Raynes, of Greer, SC and granddaughter, Morghan R. Raynes. Also surviving is Ronnie’s twin sister, Janet Tyson, of Arlington, VA, and several nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Marie Leight and brother, Eugene Raynes. The family will receive friends at Praise Cathedral Church of God on September 7, 2013 from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. with service following at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memory Gardens, Greer, South Carolina. Memorials may be made to Praise Cathedral Church of God, 3390 Brushy Creek Road, Greer, South Carolina 29650 or to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Suite A, Greenville, South Carolina 29615. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Ronald "Ronnie" Raynes

May 18, 1939 - September 4, 2013