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William Reed Raynor III passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at the age of 43 after living a life full of compassion and love. Will was born May 8, 1974 in Ahoskie, North Carolina. He grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where he spent his childhood climbing trees and developing his extensive knowledge of history and music. He was a member of Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church and was often found afterwards running around the Coker Arboretum. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was born and bred a TARHEEL!
While history, music, and literature were very important aspects of Will's life, his greatest joy and love in life were his lovely wife, Millie, and his precious twin daughters, Watsie and Reed. There was no prouder person of his family than Will. There was not one day that he neglected to share stories about them!
He reveled in teaching both Watsie and Reed about music, history, and gardening. He loved going to Watsie's games and watching her rock climb. He took great pride in being the loudest sideline cheerleader. He loved attending ballet recitals for Reed and he was full of pride for the paintings that she created. He would be the first to say that Leonardo da Vinci had great competition. He treasured the time that he and Millie spent together nurturing their marriage.
He was predeceased by his grandparents Sarah Moore and William Raynor, Alice Cheek Faulkner, and Clarence Cheek.
In addition to his wife Millie Payne Raynor and their daughters Elizabeth Reed Raynor and Ann Watson Raynor (Watsie), he is survived by his parents Reed and Leigh Raynor; his sister Elizabeth (Lee) Singleton; his in-loves Cathy and John Payne; his sister-in-love Libby Perry; and his beloved nieces and nephew Corte, Bowen, and Raynor Leigh.
A private burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh, North Carolina.
A celebration of Will's life will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017, at 3:00 p.m., at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, North Carolina. The family will receive friends following the service in the Jane Bell Gathering Space at White Memorial.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has requested that donations be made to The Hill Center. Online donations may be made at www.hillcenter.org/donate under the designation select other and write "In Memory of Will Raynor." Checks may be made out to The Hill Center with "In Memory of Will Raynor" on the subject line and sent to 3200 Pickett Road, Durham, North Carolina 27705.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St. Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory.
December 20, 2017
Monica Geiger
My deepest condolences to the family. Wil was such a great guy with awonderful spirit, and you will be greatly missed my friend.
You Healthtrax Friend!!! Monica Geiger
December 11, 2017
Wynter Walsh
My thoughts and prayers are going out for Will's Family. I am so sorry for this devastating loss.
December 11, 2017
Will Hayes
So sorry for your loss. Will was so charismatic and fun to be around. I remember many weekends seeing him, Millie, and the girls at North Hills Park and later at North Hills Club. The neighborhood and world has lost a truly nice individual. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of mourning. Sadly yours,Will
December 11, 2017
Ken Newman
Millie, life has so many twists and turns. We never know what's around the next corner. All we can really know is that God is there ... and even that can be hard to believe. He is there for you and the children. And Will is not as far away as you might think. My heart goes out to you. Ken
December 11, 2017
Robert Baker
I am so sorry for your loss. I have your family in my prayers daily. Let me know if there is anything I can do now or anytime in the future.
Robert Baker
December 11, 2017
Sue Calfee
Millie,
I am beyond mere words with the tragedy that has befallen you. I just cannot imagine your pain. Please know that I will keep you and your children in special prayer time every day. I also wish I was there to hug you and help you. I will be glad to help in any way I can. God Bless you and your children. Sue Calfee
December 11, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I cannot even imagine the loss of a child. I pray for strength to get you and your family through this unwanted journey.Your cousin,Kay Vaughan Byrd
December 10, 2017
Marie Dean
The words are hard to find to express the sorrow felt for you with the loss of your son, husband, father, brother, & uncle, but know that you're in my thoughts & prayers today, tomorrow, and the days ahead.
Marie Dean
December 10, 2017
Our hearts are breaking for Millie, the twins and your families. Our deepest condolences and love. Julie, Melanie and Jim Jones
December 9, 2017
meg bice
I'm sadden to hear about the nicest guy I knew, we were at Oakland school together and we kinda dated a little bit not that back then it was just going to activities together. Fun times, I remember his tye dyed crazy shirts. Loved them. I will always treasure those Oakland days I will say big prays for the family.
December 9, 2017
Tracee Grossman Evans (R-MWC 97)
So sorry to hear this. Much love, light, and peace to Millie and her family. May his memory be a blessing always.
December 9, 2017
Christi Booth
I'm so sorry to hear of Will's passing. My love goes out to my RMWC sister, Millie and her two precious girls.
December 8, 2017
Linda Howard
I'm deeply saddened to hear of Will's passing. You're all so dear to me and my heart aches for you. God bless!
December 8, 2017
Jane Kidd
Yes, he was full of compassion and love. I will miss my friend. Jane Kidd
December 8, 2017
Yes, he was full of compassion and love. I will miss my friend. Jane Kidd
December 8, 2017
Family
Sarah Lamm
So sorry Will's life was cut short. God bless the whole family Sarah Anne and Riddick
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