Fred Thomas Raines

Fred Thomas Raines, 68, of Ringgold, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009.

He was born Feb. 21, 1940, in Dalton to the late Lee Roy Raines and Edith Ruth Johnston, but has lived in the Ringgold area for the last 43 years. He was a member of the Duncan Park Baptist Church and was previously employed with Mohawk Industries for more than 23 years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a huge Georgia Bulldog fan, but his priority in life was caring for and adoring his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his loving wife of more than 48 years, Joyce Oden Raines of Ringgold; two sons and daughter-in-law, Gregory Raines of Dalton and Donald and (Angel) Raines of Rossville; daughter and son-in-law, Regina and (Richard) Steinwinter of Chickamauga; brother, Bill Raines of Dalton; stepbrother, Terry Johnston, and stepsister, Carol Oliver, both of Dalton; six grandchildren, Heather and Anthony Raines, Chris and Scott Brown, and Aubrie and Donovan Raines; great-granddaughter, LaRaina Brown; and several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Services are at 11 a.m. Friday in the Fort Oglethorpe Chapel with the Rev. Matt Hall officiating. Burial will be in Grove Level Cemetery in Dalton. The family will begin receiving friends after 4 p.m. Thursday and prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416; (423) 892-4289.

Arrangements are by W.L. Wilson and Sons Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe. Online guest book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.