Joseph Wesley Raines

Joseph Wesley Raines, born June 26, 1938, passed away early Sunday morning, May 3rd, 2026, joining our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Joe was preceded in death by his father and mother, the Rev. Howard and Lillian Pellum Raines. Joe’s mother passed away when he was two. His father later remarried to Genevieve Murphree, the only mother he remembered. He is survived by his wife Adrienne Chaille Raines; his daughters Sara Simmons Sweet (Dan) and Taylor Simmons Nichols (Jerry); his son Joseph Howard Simmons Raines (Sara Hatakeyama); and his sister Joan Ray and brother-in-law Charles Ray. Joe is additionally survived by his eight grandchildren: Lillian Chaille Sweet, Daniel Robert Sweet, Cullen Hilt Morrison, Bennett Raines Morrison, Chapman Mills Morrison, Jason Nichols, Lando Nichols, and Jax Nichols.

Joe grew up in the United Methodist Church as a PK – Preacher’s Kid. He loved all the youth group activities, summer camps at Sumatanga, Sunday singings, and weeklong revivals where the guest minister stayed at the parsonage with the Raines’ family. His mother was active in the United Methodist Women, where he enjoyed reading the mission studies and learning about United Methodism around the world.

In his teenage years, he had a sense that God was calling him to ministry. Joe deliberated, examined his heart, talked with his father, and sought God’s guidance. When he made his commitment, it was a lifelong one.

Joe always had an eagerness to study and learn. He worked to put himself through school, attending Snead Jr. College, Birmingham Southern College, Emery University, and Princeton Theological Seminary. For him, it was a great adventure of faith, hope, and love. The dear saints at the small churches he served during his academic studies remained dear to his heart.

Joe served in the New Jersey United Methodist Conference, as a Chaplain in the Vietnam War, the South Alabama Florida United Methodist Conference, and the North Alabama United Methodist Conference, from which he retired in 2005. Joe continued his service for an additional 10 years in a retired pastoral position. Joe felt he was more than blessed by the many dear people whose lives intersected with his, often at times of challenge and healing.

On January 16th, 1982, Joe married the love of his life, Chaille Raines, and embraced her two daughters, Sara and Taylor, as his own. Three years later, they welcomed their son Joseph. The family grew, loved deeply, and thrived. In the following years, the family expanded to include spouses and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers and well wishes, we ask that you just be kind and serve others, as this was his whole life’s work. We are heartbroken that our favorite person in the world is gone, but grateful he doesn’t have to suffer anymore. He was brave beyond words and fought valiantly until his last breath.