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A graveside service for Earl D. “Billy” Raines of Cordele will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Rainey Family Funeral Services prior to the service Tuesday beginning at 9:30 a.m. until time to depart for the cemetery.

Billy, 84, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Magnolia Manor Nursing Center in Americus. Billy was born in Crisp County and was the son of the late James Earl Raines and Nettie Hayslip Raines. He was a graduate of West Crisp School. He was a self-employed licensed land surveyor, self-educated through LaSalle College and tutored and trained by Carl Jackson Story and William Pryor. He owned his company for 46 years and served as Crisp County Land Surveyor.

Billy was an Emeritus member of SAMSOG and a licensed realtor and broker. He was a member of Cordelia Lodge #296 F&AM since 1957 and Crepe Myrtle OES Chapter 163 of Albany and Director of the Grand OES Drill Team for many years. He enjoyed square dancing and round dancing with his many friends.

Billy is survived by three sons and their wives, Darrell and Kathy Raines of Ellijay, Scotty Raines of Arabi and Kyle and Lynn Raines of Eatonton; the mother of his children, Nella Scott Raines of Arabi; grandchildren, Madisin Linn Raines of Eatonton and Jason Settles and his wife, Kristen of Cordele; great-grandchildren, Ava and Jax Settles of Cordele; a sister, Pegg Raines Dodgen McCardel and her husband, Cliff of Cordele; a niece, Melissa Raines Phipps and her husband, John of Canton, TX; great-nieces, Elizabeth Kate Trussell and Paden Raines Phipps of Canton, TX; a sister-in-law, Doris Raines Crumley and her husband, Dwain of Cordele and a menagerie of family cats and dogs, who he referred to as flea hounds and flea bags.

The family would like to thank his dear friend and caregiver, Rozelle B. Raines of Ashburn and also Magnolia Manor Staff for their love and care. Flowers will be accepted but memorials may be made to Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 118 Crisp Academy Drive, Cordele, GA 31015  or to Magnolia Manor – League Of The Good Samaritan, 2001 South Lee Street,  Americus, GA 31709. Arrangements are by Rainey Family Funeral Services. An online guest register is available at www.raineyfuneral.com