In Memory

William Raines

William (Willie) Howard Raines, 85, of Charlottesville, Virginia and Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home in Huntsville on Friday, February 3, 2023.

Born on May 5, 1937, in Greene County, Virginia he was the son of Viola and Doffie Raines. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Thomas, Clyde, and Charles; and sister, Dorothy Madison.

Willie is survived by Fay, his loving wife of 45 years; sons, David of New York and Corey of North Carolina; and granddaughters, Leila and Sarah of New York. He is also survived by brothers, Albert (Betty), Nelson, Richard (Barbara), Randolph (Joyce), Warren (Paula), Ronnie (Karen) and sister, Myrtle as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. A special friend, Tommy Cupp, who provided much support and care during his final days, also survives him.

Willie was outgoing, hard working, and dedicated to “leaving things better than he found them.” He thrived on teaching, coaching and mentoring others. He was involved in the Albemarle County school system for more than 40 years, graduating from Albemarle High School (AHS) in 1955 and serving in multiple roles as teacher, coach and administration until his retirement in 1995. He taught English, geography, civics and history. He coached football, track and basketball. He served as Assistant Principal at AHS from 1970 – 1972 and as an administrator in the system central office from 1972 – 1984. In 1984 he returned to AHS as Principal and remained in that position until his retirement in 1995.

In 1995 he began a new venture as Director of School Relations and member of the graduate faculty at the University of Alabama in Huntsville until his second retirement in 2005. He was recognized for his many contributions and accomplishments when he was selected for the AHS Hall of Fame in 2013.

After his retirements, he continued to be very active, devoting his time and energy to developing a beautiful lawn and gardens, daily workouts, and delivering fresh fruits and vegetables to the elderly as a volunteer for Enable Madison County/CASA ( Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound) in Huntsville. Throughout his life he touched the lives of many and he will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2023, prior to the funeral service at 2 p.m. at Hill & Wood Funeral Home in Charlottesville. A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Holly Memorial Gardens. Robert Lewis will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made with flowers or in memory of Mr. William Raines to Enable Madison County via mail 701 Andrew Jackson Way SE Huntsville AL 35801 or https://www.enablemadisoncounty.org/donate/  

Condolences may be sent to the family on the Tribute Wall at www.hillandwood.com

Submitted by Stan Maupin.



 
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02/26/23 04:02 PM #1    

Douglas C Wood (1964)

I was so sorry to hear about Coach Raines passing. He was an inspiration to all of us on the football team. He pushed us all to suceed as players and individuals. 

Doug Wood

 


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