Ralph John Raines, 86, of Rockingham, passed away on Monday March 30, 2026 at his home with his family by his side.
Ralph was born on Oct. 9, 1939 in Ellerbe, to the late John and Cora Noah Raines.
He married the love of his life, Sylvia, in 1959, spending 66 years together. A truck driver until he was 81, Ralph enjoyed working and farming. He had a love for old cars, trucks and tractors. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist church.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Clyde Raines, Harry Raines, Oma Raines, Fred Raines, Arnold Raines, Versie Moore, Agnes McDonald and Bessie Hines.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sylvia Atkinson Raines; children, Alan Raines (Sandy) and Pam Thomas (Eric); grandchildren, Jonathan Raines (Meagan), Erin Thomas Adams (Lewis) and Joshua Thomas; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Teagan and Weston; brother, Clarence Raines; and sisters, Thelma Clarke and Nolan Brookshire.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday April 1, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home in Rockingham. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday April 2, 2026 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Butch Park and the Rev. Chuck McKnight officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Online condolences can be made at carterfuneral.net.