By Bob Bridge, Columnist
Billy Raines was an independent individual, a somewhat solitary soul.
Though Paul Anka’s song “My Way” automatically fosters an image of Frank Sinatra, Billy also marched to the beat of a different drummer.
He worked at Kroger and Walmart and served as a volunteer firefighter for several different departments. More recently, he reported news for WBIW before starting his own social media company, The Zephyr.
Billy was a tireless worker, endeavoring to provide viewers in Bedford and beyond with his words and images regarding events transpiring throughout the region.
One afternoon he joined me for lunch and offered me a job. I smiled and explained I was happily retired. He said he thought my human interest columns could provide additional traffic for the Zephyr and he was willing to pay.
I declined the compensation but told him I planned to write one piece a week for my friends on Facebook. I gave him permission to reprint those columns.
Billy was appreciative and always respectful. He was scant on professional skills and struggled with spelling and grammar. When friends suggested he add a proofreader, he merely smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
What Billy lacked in journalistic expertise often was overlooked or forgiven because the guy with the contagious smile was obviously a tireless worker and determined to provide news to his beloved community.
Yes, he made errors. But, what human hasn’t?
Make no mistake, Billy and his Zephyr will be missed.
Thanks, buddy.
Bob Bridge welcomes comments at 812–276-9646 or bbbbbridge@gmail.com.
