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A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Johnson Funeral Home Chapel in Georgiana for William Gene Raines, 84, of Georgiana, who passed away on Friday, July 5. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery in Greenville. The Rev. Allen Stephenson will officiate. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.  on Wednesday, July 10, at Johnson Funeral Home Chapel.

Gene graduated from Georgiana High School in 1953. He went on to graduate from Auburn University in 1957. He became a 2nd lieutenant in the Army and then served as an officer in the Alabama National Guard. From 1970 until his retirement in 1997, Gene worked as the head comptroller at Union Camp.

Long before Google there was “Gene.” He had a passion for history and is known as the historian at-large of Butler County. We leave you with this: What was the score of Greenville High School’s first football game during the 1957 season and who was the opponent?  Rest in peace Gene. You were loved by many and will be deeply missed.

His parents, John Matthew and Annie Mae Raines Sr.; sister, Ann Raines Terry, and brother, John M. Raines, preceded Gene in death.

Survivors include his sister, Cecile (Ceil) Deloris Raines Hughes of Burke, Va.; 10 nieces and nephews; a number of cousins and his beloved Miss Pris.

Johnson Funeral Home of Georgiana is directing.

Online condolences can be made at www.johnsongeorgiana.com