BEDFORD – The editor and owner of the Lawrence County Zephyr – Bill Raines, 49, of Bedford – passed away in Bedford on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Bill fought valiantly to battle his cancer for many years.
Bill was a dedicated reporter for WBIW 1340 AM for several years before stepping out on his own to begin his own news website. In 2021, The Lawrence County Zephyr began faithfully providing news coverage to Lawrence and the surrounding counties until Bill’s death.
Serving his community and the citizens of Lawrence County was his greatest joy.
Bill was active in community service, serving on the Indian Creek Volunteer Fire Department, the former Williams VFD, and Perry VFD. He was the past president of the Lawrence County Firefighter Association and served as the Hoosier Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross Chapter Chairman from 2008-2010. Bill was also an Advanced-EMT from 1998-2007.
Throughout the years, Bill received various community service awards, including the Life Saving Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution for saving the life of a 10-month-old infant. He was also awarded the Community Service award from Walmart and another Community Service award from the Kroger Corporation. While serving as president of the Lawrence County Fire Association, he placed defibrillators in every fire station in Lawrence County, saving countless lives.
Bill was devoted to his faith and is now serving his God.
He was Pastor of the House of Prayer Church in Fayetteville and was a lay minister for several years.
Funeral services for Bill A. Raines will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at the Ferguson- Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford with Bro. Keith Thompson is officiating. Burial will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, also at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel.
Memorial contributions can be made to Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services instead of flowers in Bill’s memory.
