Phyllis Rankin Raines, 87, of Whitmire, SC, passed peacefully at her home, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, surrounded by family.   She was born in Whitmire, on October 1, 1937. Daughter of the late Blair Jenkins Rankin and Dorothy White Rankin.

Phyllis and her late husband, Coach Irby Lee Raines, Jr., were high school sweethearts and were married 54 years.

A graduate from Whitmire High School, she received her business degree from Newberry College. Phyllis retired from Bankers Trust, known today as Bank of America, from which she was a loan officer and assistant branch manager for many years. Later working as a financial manager for Young Chevrolet in Whitmire. She was a member of Whitmire United Methodist Church, where she loved singing in the choir and was the church Treasurer for many years.

Phyllis was always most proud of her children, grandchildren and was affectionately known as "Mi Mi". She always took care of anyone who was in need and any animal she came across. In her younger days, she devoted herself to raising money and helping the athletes at Whitmire High. Phyllis was also one of the founding members of the Whitmire Jaycees.

Phyllis loved her Hallmark, detective shows and North Carolina Tarheels basketball team, never missing a game, if at all possible. She got her love for the game from her father, who was a North Carolina Alumni and her husband who was a big N.C. and Dean Smith fan. Phyllis also enjoyed watching the Golden Girls, JAG, Chicago Fire and also rooting for the USC Girls Basketball team. Alongside being the wife of a legendary coach, she was all about sports. She held a special place in her heart for animals, especially towards her late canine companion, King. Phyllis was known to often enjoy her time going out shopping.

She is survived by her two children, Abby Carroll (Tim) and Mark Raines (Anita); grandchildren, Chris "Rock" Raines, Kandace Carroll, Caroline Raines and Will Raines; brothers, Ray Rankin (Susan) and Cheney Rankin; sister, Reed Rankin; and brothers-in-law, Ricky Argo, Coach Eddie Raines (Eunice), Coach June Raines (Elaine). She was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she is predeceased by her brother, Robin Rankin and her sister, Elizabeth Rankin Argo.

Funeral will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Whitmire United Methodist Church, 306 S. Church Street, Whitmire, SC, 29178.  Burial will follow in Whitmire Cemetery.

The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 12:00 PM, until the hour of service, at Whitmire United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Whitmire Athletic Booster Club, Whitmire United Methodist Church, P.O Box 306, Whitmire, SC, 29178, and or Whitmire First Baptist Church, 173 Glenn St, Whitmire, SC, 29178.

Memories and messages may be shared with Phyllis's family on her tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Phyllis Rankin Raines.