Rev. James Ray Raines

September 21, 1937 - October 22, 2020

Rev. James Ray Raines, age 83 of North Little Rock died Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born September 21, 1937 in De Witt, Arkansas. During his 67 years of ministry, Bro. Raines has pastored several churches, including: Sulphur Springs in Fordyce, Chapel Hill Baptist in New Edinburg, Zion Baptist in Fordyce, First Baptist in Gurdon, Immanuel Baptist in Camden and Lynch View (later named North View) in North Little Rock. He also served as president of Central Baptist College in Conway and in many positions in the BMA at the local, state and national levels. As a member of the Masonic Lodge Bro. Raines is a Blue Lodge member, Royal Arch Member, Scottish Rite Member and a Knights Templar's Member of York Rite He is preceded in death by his parents, Tony Madison Raines and Hazel York Raines; one brother, Carthel Raines; and one sister, Lois Ann Raines. James Ray is survived by his wife, Ann Raines of North Little Rock; two sons, Tommy (Laura) Raines of Camden, Mike (Lori) Raines of North Little Rock; one daughter, Kim Looney of North Little Rock; three brothers, Wayne Raines of Springhill, LA, Dan Raines of Russellville, Marlin Raines of Warren; one sister, Ellen Courtney of Greenbrier; four grandchildren, Catherine (John) Sims of North Little Rock, Stephen (Lauren) Raines of Benton, Haley Raines of North Little Rock, and Sam Looney of North Little Rock. Visitation will be Monday, 10:00 am until 11:00 am at North View Baptist Church, 6801 JFK Blvd North Little Rock, AR 72116. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. Joel Slayton, Rev. Mike Cantrell, Rev. David Inzer, and Rev. Rick Bolin officiating. Graveside services will be 3:00 pm Monday at Crossroads Cemetery near Kingsland. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.