William Frederic Raines, age 74, of Oak Island, North Carolina, passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center, on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

In his final months, Fred was surrounded by family, friends, music, laughter, and love.

He was born on September 9, 1951, to the late Jesse Willard and Ruby Mae Hanshaw Raines in Charleston, West Virginia. His childhood was spent in West Virginia where he developed a strong work ethic. Fred could “fix” anything. He recognized the value of education and after high school he studied at several universities and eventually earned two Masters of Science degrees. He loved astronomy and was an avid reader.

Fred proudly served in the United States Navy for 10 years during the Vietnam Era. He built a long and meaningful career as a software engineer with Texas Instruments, Siemens, and M.C. Dean. He found joy in being outdoors and loved camping, traveling to new places and especially boating. He spent many happy years on sailing adventures with Brian Caperton, George Roberts and Tim Caum.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Sandra Raines Pritt, his brother-in-law, Dewey Pritt and his cherished companion, “Princess Chloe.”

More than anything, Fred was a man totally devoted to his family. Fred continually boasted he had 15 descendants and was extremely proud of each of them.

Those left to cherish his memory are Susan Schultheiss of Oak Island, NC with whom he spent 24 happy years; his first wife of 30 years, Linda Kay Raines of Johnson City; his daughters, Michelle Bishop (Steve) of Jonesborough, Heather D. Raines of Johnson City, and Jennifer Raines of Bluff City; grandchildren, Shai Perry-McCallister (Michael), Andrew Bishop (Kelsey), Emily Gibson (Christian), Gracelynn M. Perry, Tuesday Ingram, Aiden Bishop, Anastasia Ingram; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 step great-grandchildren; sister, Liz Eckler (Joe) of Eden, NC; and bonus sons, Thomas “Stuncle Tom” and Nathan Schultheiss.

The family would like to express love and gratitude to Brian Pritt for his support and guidance through this journey, as well as to thank Liberty Hospice of Supply, NC, especially to his special friend, Lectoria.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Johnson City, TN.