Rains, John and Mildred

John Turner Rains
December 20, 1921 — April 7, 2001

Mildred Woodard Rains
December 26, 1924 — October 20, 2000

John and Mildred Rains were long-standing members of the Kenly community and together in life for more than fifty-six years.

John Turner Rains was born on December 20, 1921, to Hiram and Lena Rowe Rains. The family lived in Hickory Cross community but John attended school in Kenly. At an early age, John developed an interest in automobiles that lasted his lifetime. Sometime after high school, he opened his own automotive parts store in Kenly called Rains Auto Supply.

John was a dedicated business owner and his store flourished until he had to retire for health reasons at the age of fifty-five. His health, however, did not prevent him from pursuing other hobbies, especially woodworking. John was known to produce beautiful pieces of furniture in his home shop where he spent much of his time.

John was known as a very patient man with a positive attitude and a wonderful sense of humor. He also was involved with the community, including serving for a time as the president of the Kenly Lions Club and the Chief for the Kenly Fire Department. Among all his activities, he also made time to spend with his family, especially his wife Mildred.

Mildred Woodard Rains was born December 26, 1924 to Elijah Paul and Nancy Stancil Woodard. She grew up on the Woodard family farm in the Glendale community and attended school there. After graduating high school, she attended Atlantic Christian College where she probably solidified her life-long interest in reading. At some time during this period in her life, Mildred also met John. They married on her birthday in 1943.

Mildred became a dedicated wife and mother, and coveted her duty to both for the rest of her life. She gave birth to four wonderful children: John Turner Rains, Jr.; Bobby Carroll Rains; Marcia Rains (Evans); and Teresa Rains (Crocker). Mildred was remembered as being a very caring mother and often did special things for her children, especially in sharing her talents in quilting and needlework. After her children left home, Mildred soon had to take more care of John as his health began to deteriorate. This did not prevent the couple from still being involved with the community, however, and both continued to be associated about town and as members of the Kenly Free Will Baptist Church.

Although John's health was a major concern in his later life, Mildred was the first to pass away on October 20, 2000. Mildred did not have to wait long, however, for her husband to join her in eternal bliss. John passed away to join his bride of fifty-six years on April 7, 2001.

This Memorial was given by Grethel McLamb Boyette, John and Mildred's next-door neighbor and friend for over fifty years.