Will Raines

 

From the Buffalo Express  August 6, 2003
Taken from "The Flo News" written by Norma Moore

     Will Raines the son of Robert Henry and Savannah, like his parents was most successful in farming, ranching and especially supplied our county with the riches of the fruit orchards and of the vegetable garden profession.
     Will married Evalena (Builderback).  She was the daughter of Reverend Eddie Riley and Lillie Builderback.  they were important settlers of Buffalo since 1869 and both the Raines and the Builderback of God's Ministry.  The marriage was a blessing in the eyes of their parents.
     Will and Evalena were dedicated Christians, helped to build churches, established Missionary Programs, were leaders of Sunday School, Bible Study,  and Gospel singing missions for Leon County.  Will was a committeeman of the Missionary Ministry, traveling by horseback to other counties helping with promotional success of the Trinity River Baptist Association.  He is important in the establishment of Missionary Baptist Churches of our county that has been of God's ministry since the 1800's.
     Will and Evalena lived their married life in the Corinth Community.  They were proud parents of two sons, David Haynie and Bill, and seven daughters, Willie Irene, Ollie, Ruby, Annie, Winnie Mae, Bernice and Adeen.  Their children taught them valuable lessons of living by God's Word.
     All their lives, family togetherness is a Raines priority.  They are there for each other at all times.
     Will lost his Evalena at a young age.  He suffered many hardships of raising his children and trying to work and provide for them   Will's older children, his relatives and friends helped him get the family raised.
     Will's son David married Marie Davis, of Flo.  They lived in Waco, were productive citizens.  David was an employee with Rainbo Bread for many years.  Marie was owner and operator of an antique shop and they both were actively involved in church, community, and neighborhood service of Waco.  They had interest and were concerned of their home land Leon County.  They gave support of all beneficial needs and their son, Donnis with the same dedication carried on giving support of family related things.
     David, Marie and Donnis owned and inherited land in Flo for many years.  They made many trips to take care of the land and making improvements.
     Will's daughter Irene married Sam Jones.  They lived in Buffalo, were outstanding homesteaders, Christian leaders who helped to establish churches and Christian programs.  They served their community in promotional gain in education, and business opportunity.
     Sam and Lee Kilgore, his brother-in-law were carpenters.  They built houses in all of Leon County.