https://therealwv.com/2025/01/31/paul-raines/
This is an article posted on the "therealwv.com" website about a dear friend and supporter of Greenbrier West that recently past away. This article was not written by anyone at GWHS but we wanted to share it to let everyone know that we too feel the lose of this great man that was such a positive presence in our lives here at West and he will be missed and never forgotten!.
Paul Raines
It would be hard to find a person more loyal to his community than Paul Raines.
Paul was a huge presence in the town of Rainelle, not only for his much-needed and beloved small business Western Auto, which he owned for 48 years, but also for his tremendous support of the students at Greenbrier West High School.
Paul was a Cavaliers superfan and hero. He loved kids. After the 2006 passing of his own daughter, Lindsey, he decided to create a scholarship fund to ensure that local students were supported, able to grow and be successful by attending college.
Through the Lindsey Raines Memorial Scholarship Poker Run, over a quarter of a million dollars has been raised for students at Greenbrier West High School, Greenbrier East High School, Meadow Bridge High School, Midland Trail High School and more.
Not only did Paul help kids, but he extended credit to those who needed car repairs and other supplies. He had a true heart, and when he knew someone was truly in need, he was willing to help. He extended more credit to people than we will ever truly know.
Following the 2016 floods, his business, Western Auto, was devastated. However, Paul didn’t want to see another business leave the town. So, he kept going. Then, when his health began to fail, Paul made sure that he passed his business down to a couple that would keep it going – Jeremy and Joanna Willis.
Paul made his small community a brighter place just by being there. He and his wife, Vicky, were a great couple, and could frequently be seen riding the buggy together. She was always by his side.
Paul passed away on January 9, 2025, after a battle with cancer.
For his tremendous and generous heart, his love of Harley-Davidson, muscle cars and sports, and for his dedication to small businesses and those in his community, we are honored to name Paul Raines as our certified Real West Virginian of the Week.