Michael Franklin Raynor, Sr.

Michael Franklin Raynor Sr., 89, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2022. Born in Dunn, NC, he was a proud Navy veteran of the Korean war as a Teleman Petty Officer 3rd Class .His naval duties took him to San Diego, Hawaii and the Far East. As a lover of swing and ballroom dancing, Mike taught at dance studios in California and North Carolina before moving to Florida in the late 1950’s. He continued to enjoy the love of dancing throughout his life.

Mike served the church all his life from being a youth pastor at Maple Grove United Methodist Church in North Carolina, to being an active member at Forest Hills United Methodist Church. He and his late wife, Josie, were founding members of Van Dyke United Methodist Church (now Bay Hope Church) where he was actively involved with his Men’s Group, Operation Christmas Child for kids in the bay area, R.I.O.T.Camp (Reaching Inside Out Tampa Bay) building showers for the youth group and serving Wednesday night meals for the fellowship. With Josie being a greeter at the door and Mike an usher, one of his sayings was "You greet them, and I'll seat them!" Outside of the church he was also a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Raynor, parents, Moses Fulton and Lila Mae Raynor, and two sisters, Helen Williams and Shirley Williams Baker. He is survived by his children, Michael Raynor Jr, Shari Raynor and Christopher Raynor and wife, AnaMaria; 6 grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

His children would especially like to send their love and gratitude to lifelong friend, Lee Abbott, for his loving care and support provided over the past years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memoriam to Bay Hope Church https://www.bayhope.church or to Habitat For Humanity https://www.habitat.org/support/honormemorial-gifts.

Visitation will begin at 3:30 pm Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Bay Hope Church, 17030 Lakeshore Rd, Lutz, with a service at 4:00 pm followed by a reception.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gardenofmemoriestampa.com for the Raynor family.