John Thomas Raines, III, age 37 of Decatur, passed away on October 4, 2023.
Thomas was the son of two proud parents, John Thomas Raines Jr. and Teresa D. Raines
Thomas attended Austin High School. He graduated from Austin and went on to Southern Union College and lived on campus at Auburn. He played football at Austin Black Bears and football at Westmeade Baptist Church.
Thomas loved his Auburn football, he was raised to be an auburn man because he was taken to all home games, was there for all the big wins: Bo over the top, prayer at Jordan Hare, and Kick Six. He and his close friend Kyle flew to Pasadena, California to see Florida State/Auburn play for the National Championship. He said “Dad, I saw the Grand Canyon. It was life changing the beauty of this world”.
After three years of studies at Southern Union he came back home to Decatur with his mom and dad. He loved his mother; he was a mother’s pride and joy. She supported him through thick and thin. His dad coached him in Dixie Youth baseball when he pitched and won city champion. He told his mother “You are my rock, I love you more than anything in the world. He was one of the most handsome young men and never had problems making friends. He was a hard worker, helping his dad and mom around the house all the time.
Our most precious son, Thomas has gained his wings in Heaven now, and will be dearly missed until the day we are back together in God’s kingdom.
Thomas is survived by his parents, John and Teresa Raines.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023 at New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home beginning at 2:00pm, Rev. Tom Salter officiating, with visitation held from 12:30-2:00pm.
