In Memory of Charles S. Raynes
Charles Smith Raynes, 81, of Buffalo passed away on Monday, May 11th, 2009 at C.A.M.C. Memorial Hospital following a short illness.
He was the owner and Licensed Director of Raynes Funeral Home in Buffalo, which was founded by his father in 1920. He was a member of the Buffalo United Methodist Church and the church choir. He attended Greenbrier Military School and after his graduation from Buffalo High School in 1945, he attended Morris Harvey and Marshall Colleges, Transylvania College in Lexington, KY, and was a 1949 graduate of the Cincinnati College of Embalming. He was a 60 year member and Past Master of Kanawha Valley Lodge No. 36 A.F &.A.M. in Buffalo, a charter member and Past Patron of Buffalo Chapter No. 150, Order of the Eastern Star, Scottish Rite Bodies, Beni Kedem Temple and a former member of the Beni Kedem Gold Band.
He was also Buffalo Town Recorder for several years and served on the Buffalo Town Council. He was a member of the West Virginia and National Funeral Directors Associations.
Charles is survived by his wife of more than 55 years, Barbara Miller Raynes; daughters, Kimberly Raynes Bias and her husband, Timothy of East Peoria, IL, and Mary Elizabeth Raynes of Buffalo; grandchildren, Timothy Evan Bias and his wife, Alicia of Eleanor, Emily Bias Tucker and her husband, Michael of LaVergne, TN, and Charles Zachary Raynes of Buffalo; two great-granddaughters, Alexis and Aubrey Bias of Eleanor. He is also survived by his very special brothers-in-law, Dr. James W. Rowley and William B. Miller and his wife, Connie of Charleston, sister-in-law, Martha M. Atteridge and her husband, Jim of Camas, WA, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Hartley and Roma Smith Raynes, and his very close and loving sister, Dr. Nyana Raynes Rowley. Charles loved his family, his church and church family, and all of his friends. He was also very devoted to his work and his community.
The family recieved friends and family from 5 - 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 14th at Raynes Funeral Home in Buffalo. A celebration of his life was held at the funeral home on Friday, May 15th at 1 p.m. with Dr. Timothy L. Bias and Rev. Richard Waller officiating. Burial with Masonic Graveside Rites was held in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo. Flowers were gratefully accepted, but because of his love for and dedication to his church, memorial contributions in his memory will be appreciated and gratefully received by the Buffalo United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 237, Buffalo, WV 25033.
The family of Mr. Charles S. "Honeyboy" Raynes would like to thank everyone for their kindness and caring during this difficult time in our lives. He will be greatly missed not only by his immediate family but the community he loved so dearly. We are deeply committed to carrying on the legacy that he worked his entire life to create. Our experienced and professional staff are here to guide you through the creation of a service that reflects your values, your preferences, and your loved one's individual life story. We offer a variety of ways for you to honor their life, pay tribute, and celebrate special memories as you begin to heal and find closure.
