John Sidney Raehn

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”- Jeremiah 29:13

Reverend Dr. John “Sidney” Raehn was born January 24, 1944 in Orlando, Florida. He was a proud Seminole and graduated from Florida State University.

Early in life Sidney developed a love for his country. His initial desire was to join the Navy. At that time they would not accept him due to his not meeting the minimum age requirement. That did not stop Sidney! He was determined to be a part of the great men and women proudly serving their country. Although the Marines had the same age requirements as the Navy, Sidney found a spontaneous way to be accepted. This was a story he loved to share. He served proudly as a Marine.

Sidney loved Jesus! He truly believed in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and loved talking about the goodness of the Lord. He attended and graduated from Seminary School in Oxford, England receiving an Oxford Diploma in Ministry. Afterwards, he was ordained as a Priest and was sure to maintain his licensing.

Sidney married his loving and devoted wife, Happy. They were married in holy matrimony on July 9, 1988. Later in life they relocated from Florida to Rutherford, Tennessee where they attended First Baptist Church of Rutherford.

Cherished memories are left with his caring and devoted wife, Happy Raehn; daughters Shannon Leigh Davis (Matthew) of Marianna, Florida; Brittney Raehn Mayfield (Henry) of Tallahassee, Florida; son, William Murphy, whom he affectionately called “Murph” (Dasaisha) of Lake City, Florida; grandchildren, Regan Mayfield, Marshall Mayfield, Da’Shani Murphy and Sydnee Murphy; brothers, Hank Raehn (Jean) of Eatonton, Georgia, Bobby Raehn (Duchess) of Hiltonhead, South Carolina; sister, Marsha Starcher (Dennis) of Ponte Vedra, Florida; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; The men of his Sunday School Fellowship at First Baptist Church of Rutherford whom he loved and attributed to his reason for leaving the Episcopal Church and happily joining the Baptist family.