JAMES A. “TONY” RAINES, age 55 years, a resident of Elkins, WV departed this life early Tuesday morning, April 12, 2011 at the Ruby Memorial Hospital at Morgantown, WV surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Saturday, January 28, 1956 at Elkins, WV a son of the late Vera “PeeWee” Raines. Tony is survived in spirit by his devoted wife and soul mate, Toni and stepdaughter, Cala Blevins; his sister, Judith “Tally” Droste and sons Andy, of Elkins and son Robert “Chip” Roberts of CA; his brother, Terry Raines and wife Sylvia, Albuquerque, NM; his cousin, Peggy Callahan, Elkins; his aunt Charlotte Solomon and son Billy and his son Alex, Cuyahoga Falls, OH; and daughter, Lisa, Akron, OH and her son Micky Defabaugh, OH; aunt Ellen Jane Daniels and daughter Beth Ann, Miami, OK; nephew, Donnie Roberts and wife Jennifer and son Nathan and daughters, Hannah and Kaylene and her son Rhett, all of Elkins; brother in law, Thomas Escue and wife Cindy, OH; six sisters in law, Dottie Stepp, Beckley; Becky Linkous and husband Charlie; Sandy Preast and husband Bob; Lilly Jones and husband Lon, all of Fayetteville; and Debbie Blankenship and husband Jay, Charleston; and Dewanna Escue, Fayetteville as well as a multitude of nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces. Also left to cherish fond memories are his friends and extended families.
Tony was best known as the best 911 dispatcher Randolph County ever had or will have. Tony loved his job and the safety of his deputies, firefighters, and EMS personnel was his top priority. Many will remember him for his “wit” and personality, caring and loving spirit and deep sense of pride for all the emergency response personnel that he came in contact with him. He truly loved all of you. Tony retired in 2009 after twenty years of service due to health issues.
We wish to give a special thank you to the staff of the Elkins Dialysis Center for making him feel like family during his treatment there.
Tony’s request for cremation was honored. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Tygart’s Valley Post # 3647, Veterans of Foreign Wars Reception Hall on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 6 PM.
