Joseph Selton Raines Sr., son of the late Herbert and Pearl Spain Raines, was born on May 30, 1929, in Wake County, North Carolina. He was called to rest from this earthly life on June 5, 2023, while residing at Greenwich Woods Health Care Center in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Selton, as he was known, attended St. Augusta Freewill Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC during his youth and Union Baptist Church, Stamford, Ct. later in life.

At an early age, Selton enlisted in the United States Army where he completed his high school education. He was a Korean War Veteran and earned various awards and medals for meritorious service and valor. Throughout his life, he was employed in several positions pertaining to Large Press Machine Operations: many years with Flexible Barriers/ACME Backing, Stamford, Ct.; and twenty-plus years with the City of Stamford, before retiring. He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed playing Spades, Bid Wizz, listening to good music, and spending time with family and friends.

Selton was preceded in death by the two loves of his life, Marie Lawson Raines and Irma Juliette Harper; two sisters: Betty Prince and Pearl McNeil; six brothers: David Raines, Earl Raines, James Raines, Bernard Raines, Donnell Raines, and Grover Raines.

Memories of him will forever be cherished by two daughters, Iris Liniev McMillan (Sherwood) of Concord, NC; Adrienne M. Harper of Clover, SC; three sons, Joseph S. Raines Jr. of Fuquay-Varina, NC; Troy D. Raines (Leisha) of Greensboro, NC; Eric S. Raines of Nashville, TN; twelve grandchildren: Sterling (Tamara), Sheris (Larry), Yavonda, Mituan (William), Ariel, Jowan, Markus, Jerren (Rachel), Christian, Zoe, Mark (Melinda) and Jordan; twelve great-grandchildren: Tyler, Jalen, Kelsey Liniev, Lawson, Landon, Tionna, Devin Jr, Kelsey Mariah, Azael, Arryanna, Kieanna, and Christian; one sister-in-law: Janie Raines of Orangeburg, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Trice Funeral Home Chapel, 127 N. West Street in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.