Reverend Roland Will-James Raines

Reverend Roland Will-James Raines was born July 15, 1938 in Macon, Ga., to the late Frank and Rebecca Raines. Under their guidance, he confessed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at an early age at Unionville Missionary Baptist.

Following graduation from Ballard Hudson High School in 1956, he entered Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., and received his Economics B.S. degree in 1960. He later attended and received his Master’s degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.

Rev. Raines met Jimmie Hughes, the love of his life, in college and upon graduation they married in 1961. They began their teaching careers in Blytheville. Rev. and Jimmie Raines had two children, Jewett Raines and Renee Raines. Rev. Raines was pastor of several churches in Blytheville and Batesville. He founded Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church and was pastor there for over 25 years until his health declined. He was active in the MVBU District Association, founding member of the Rebecca Williams Arkansas Baptist College Club and active in the Arkansas Consolidated Baptist Convention. He was an advent and lifelong supporter of Arkansas Baptist College.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of over 60 years, Jimmie Hughes Raines; daughter, Renee Raines (Brown); and siblings, Johnnie Raines, Rebecca Matilda Burch, and George Henry Raines.

He departed this life and entered into eternal life with his Heavenly Father on Nov. 2, 2020. He leaves to cherish his memories his son, Jewett (Christine) Raines; two granddaughters, Dr. Keisha Brown of Birmingham, Ala., and Kristen Raines of Hamilton, Ala.; grandson, Marcus Raines of Hamilton, Ala.; siblings, Rev. Frank (Marion) Raines Jr. of Dearborn, Mich., Trudie (Alton) Rozar of San Fernando, Calif., Versie Cofield of Atlanta, Ga., Samuel (Sheila) Raines of Laurel, Md., Sallie (Darryl) Humble of Springfield, Ill., and Fredicia (Wilbert) Hardnett of Accokeek, Md.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and treasured friends.