Life story

" Hero. Husband. Daddy. Gran. Papa Mark. Uncle Mark. Son. Brother. Friend. Carpenter. Gardener. Reluctant Chicken Farmer. Fixer of all things. Mentor. Most importantly, Lover of Jesus. John “Mark” Raynor, 72 years old, of Spotsylvania, VA, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2021, surrounded by a huge group of family and loved ones.

To say he will be dearly missed and always remembered is a gross understatement. Even in the midst of his long and difficult battle with leukemia, he remained selfless as he continually looked for opportunities to encourage and serve others. Mark beautifully represented the unconditional love of our Father in heaven. One of his grandchildren is quoted as saying, “Superman wears Grandaddy socks.”

Mark grew up in Elizabethtown, NC; moved to Raleigh, NC, where he lived with his wife, Meda Hair Raynor, for 49 years; and has lived in Spotsylvania, VA, since 2016. He worked in commercial construction at Partitions Incorporated, Precision Walls, and Advanced Exteriors for the vast majority of his career.

Mark was the son of John Floyd Raynor and Jewel Parker Raynor. He was predeceased by his son, Joseph Nathaniel Raynor. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Meda Hair Raynor; his son, John Michael Raynor and his family; his daughter, Jennifer Raynor Harrington, and her family; brothers Philip Clay Raynor and Floyd Bruce Raynor; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and many more family, along with “adopted” children and family members.

Mark was active at Lifepoint Church where he enjoyed serving in many capacities. Because of his love for Jesus and his desire to make a difference in a world that needs Christ so badly, Mark chose Lifepoint College to be the recipient of a memorial fund. If you feel inclined, please make contributions in his honor at https://ppay.co/Eu5SOmjeAcU.

His family will host an open house and celebration of life in their home (located at 10869 Downton Avenue, Spotsylvania, VA) from 2-4 pm on Sunday, November 21. An interment and reception will also be held on Saturday, December 4, from 3:00-5:00 pm. Guests are asked to gather by 2:45 pm at Chesnut Ridge United Methodist Church, 3505 Camp Chestnut Ridge Church Rd, Efland NC.

In one of the last entries in his personal journal, Mark wrote, “I hope to suck the marrow dry on the time I have left on earth. God, help me each day, I pray.”

And he did. "