Ret. Maj William "Bill" Thomas "Tommy" Raines

Ret. MAJ William “Bill” Thomas “Tommy” Raines, 81 of Phenix City, AL passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm EDT, Thursday, December 3, 2015, at Vance Memorial Chapel, Phenix City, AL.  Interment, with military honors, will follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Thursday, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm EDT, one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home.

Mr. Raines was born May 19, 1934, in Amity, AR the son of the late Andrew H. Raines and Alline Burchfield Raines. He retired, at the rank of Major, after 20 years of service in the United States Army.  Much of his career was spent as an Army Paratrooper.  During his career he served in Vietnam, where he received the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars.  Additionally, he was a member of Summerville UMC and the Republican Club.

Other than his parents he is preceded in death by a brother, John Raines, a grand-daughter, Jessica Gay and a daughter-in-law, Angela Raines.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nelda Palmer Raines of Phenix City, AL; one daughter, Candy Gay of Phenix City, AL; one son, Russell Raines of Phenix City, AL; devoted loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Noble and Helen McCullar, many extended family members and friends

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Summerville United Methodist Church, 1201 32nd St, Phenix City, AL 36867.

Online condolences may be made at vancememorialchapel.net