Bobby "Eddie" Edward Raines

Bobby Edward "Eddie" Raines, 58, of Mills River, North Carolina, passed away suddenly at his home on July 31, 2025.

Eddie was born in Henderson County, the son of the late Gennings Bobby Raines and Mary Lou Cairnes of Mills River.

He was also proceeded in death by his nephew, and several aunts and uncles.  

He attended West Henderson High School, and later received his GED from Isothermal Community College. In his younger years, he could be found riding his dirt bikes, causing mischief, and showing off his thick, black, curly hair while headbanging to classic rock. 

In 1989, he found his calling and joined the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Airborne School in Fort Benning, Georgia. He was later stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina before his deployment to serve in the Persion Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. He was part of the 5th Battalion 8th Field Artillery Regiment. While overseas, he deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. He truly felt the military is where he belonged. He finished his enlistment in 1993 as a Sergeant. His favorite story to tell was about his E-5 promotion. During his interview, the only question that he was asked was "how did you get a pressed uniform in the desert?" He explained that he put a sleeping mat down, laid his uniform on it, and dampened it with water before adding another sleeping mat on top of it. He then slept on it for a week. He also loved to talk about seeing camels riding in the beds of pickup trucks in the desert. 

Upon his return to the states, he married the love of his life, Lisa Darlene Praytor in November of 1993. He obtained his Plumbing License in 2000, and took pride in every job. People often praised his work and said "he could make water dance". For several years he owned Raines Plumbing and was highly respected in the construction industry. After owning his own business, he continued plumbing with other companies in Henderson County. 

In his later years, after construction took a toll on his body, he worked at Ingles in Mills River, where he quickly became a customer favorite at the meat counter. He was respected, and loved by everyone he encountered.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching Nascar, until Jeff Gordon retired, and football, but he despised the Dallas Cowboys. 

He had a heart of gold and was ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. His sense of humor was unlike any other. 

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of almost 32 years, Lisa Raines; son, Billy Praytor (Jamie); daughter, Kimberly Raines; grandchildren, Kyle Praytor, Mackenzie Praytor, and Harley Taylor; two sisters; an aunt; several nieces and nephews; many cousins; and his lifelong best friend, Russell Guthrie, who stood by him until the end. 

A celebration of life will be held in the fellowship hall of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00.

56 Mt. Gilead Church Road, Mills River, NC 28759

The family requests no flowers or food, and that any donations be made in his name to: K9s for Warriors, America's VetDogs, and Paws for Purple Hearts.

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