Dennis Ray Raines

Dennis Ray Raines – The world lost an exceptional man, a deeply beloved father and devoted husband to Pat for 54 years, grandfather, inventor, artisan, missionary, master griller, and mentor. Survived by wife, Pat; sons, Todd(Donna) of Pittsburgh, PA, Drew(Christine) of Flowery Branch, GA; daughter, Beth of Townsend, TN; grandchildren Benjamin and Caidence of Pittsburgh, PA; sister, Joyce Frye(Gilbert); sister-in-law, Mona Leake of Oak Ridge; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews.

Dennis was an incredibly creative man with extraordinary ability to think outside of the box. Over his career as a Process Engineer at Alcoa, he was awarded 3-patents all of which were utilized in the industry. In retirement, he bought a mountain top he'd dreamt of living on since he was a kid and built a beautiful home with his hands in the closest place to God one has ever seen.

He lived God’s word every day. He was kind, gracious, generous, and selfless with his skills and time. He helped repair dilapidated homes in Appalachia, dug latrines, built low income houses in Lithuania, repaired orphanages in Germany, and helped build churches and schools in the Dominican Republic. He assisted his children with countless home projects while providing gentle guidance and wisdom on life as he’d go. When he cleared trees from his property, he would cut and split them into firewood and give it away to people who needed it for heat. He was eager to share the fruits of his labor, and rarely asked for anything in return.

He was a great judge of character, and sought to find the good in everyone. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was an engaging storyteller. He was whip smart, but never arrogant, always humble. He loved his family more than anything, and was their rock. When his family or friends were at a cross roads, he was the one they would call for guidance for everything ranging from home repair to life.

Please keep them in your prayers as they come to terms with this strange new reality of a world without him.

The family will receive friends from 5:00PM to 7:00PM Thursday, February 27, 2020 at First United Methodist Church of Maryville and the service to follow at 7:00PM with Rev. Catherine Nance officiating. Family and friends will meet 11:00AM, Friday, February 28, 2020 for the interment at Grandview Cemetery.

The family requests memorial donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Maryville.