Rev. Luther Nix Raines

Rev. Luther Nix Raines, age 84, moved from Holly Drive to Heaven, his eternal home, on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 after several months of failing health. Luther was a well-known Minister in the Church of God. He accepted his calling into the ministry while attending his home church, the Sugar Valley Church of God. His first Pastorate was the Crane Eater Church of God, later, Heartly Bridge in Macon, Bowden Church in Bowden, GA, Hollywood Church of God in Toccoa, GA, and The Hogansville Church in Hogansville, GA. He organized and built the Franklin Church of God in Franklin, GA, and pastored there two different times. He also served in the Church of Gods Evangelic Team in Doraville for several years. Also, we must not forget his button ministry. He proudly served his country in the US Army.
Luther was the son of Lawrence and Liza Raines. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Russell, Pete, Bill, Frank, and Bud Raines; and his sisters, Fannie Harmon and Liz Taylor.
Luther married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Blankenship Raines, when they were not much more than children. They have been married for 64 years. She has been his biggest supporter and cheerleader in all his endeavors, serving by his side, shoulder to shoulder, serving God and loving others.
They have one son, Ronnie Raines of Adairsville, who blessed them with two grandsons, Kevin D. Raines of Franklin, GA, and Dustin Raines of Eastman, GA. Their pride and joy is their great-grandson, Kolten Nix Raines. He is also survived by his sisters, Bertia McKeehan and Nora Lee Pickens; and sisters-in-law, Bernice Raines of Texas City, TX, and Avanelle Raines and Gracie Sutherland of Calhoun. Many nieces, nephews, and others will miss him very much.
Upon retiring from pastoring, he returned to Calhoun and actively served as Layman in his church, the East Calhoun Church of God, and worked part-time at Gordon Central High School as long as his health permitted. He loved his church and church family, however, he loved his Lord more! His greatest desire is that you would, too, so you may meet him again in Heaven!
A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, February 18th at 1:00 PM from East Calhoun Church of God, with Ministers Keith Reid, Tim Reid, Kevin Raines, and Jared Raines officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in the Old Sugar Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers serving will include Josh Raines, Timmy Hamil, Ken Kagey, Kim King, Trevor Parker, Jacob Temple, Eric Hall, and David Raines. Honorary pallbearers are Rev. and Mrs. Jared Raines, Rev. and Mrs. Norris Sexton, Rev. and Mrs. Dwaine Shadix, Rev. and Mrs. Johnny Parker, Rev. Debbie Kendrick and Harvey, Rev. Audry Wilson, Rev. and Mrs. James Shope, Rev. and Mrs. Roy Smith, Rev. and Mrs. Junior Clayton, Rev. Danny May, Rev. and Mrs. Terry Smay, Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Norrel, Mr. and Mrs. Charley Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Freddy Sinnamon, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Carey, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Hamil, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Joy, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Mize, and Jack McGaskey and Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Couey.
The Raines family will receive friends at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home on Friday, February 17th from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM.
The family would like to thank the Northstar Team for their special care and compassion for Luther during his illness.
Condolences may be left at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Funeral arrangements for Rev. Luther Nix Raines are under the care and direction of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun.

SERVICES

Visitation
Friday, February 17, 2017

Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home
705 Old Red Bud Road
Calhoun, Georgia 30701

Funeral Service
Saturday, February 18, 2017

East Calhoun Church
401 Peters Street
Calhoun, GA 30701