Fred Bern Raines

Colonel Fred Bern Raines, U.S. Army (Ret.), passed away the evening of February 14, 2022, at age 87 after a brief illness.

Fred was born in Miami, FL to Ernestine (née Gaston) and Elma Raines. He spent his first years in railroad towns (mostly Florida and Alabama) as his father found seasonal work during the Depression. Most of his childhood was spent in the Panama Canal Zone. At the outbreak of WWII, Fred returned to the U.S. and spent his formative years in Ohio with his Aunt Bert and Uncle Harvey. He graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School. He then attended the University of Virginia where he met the love of his life, Polly Smith. They were married in the UVA Chapel on December 21, 1956.

Fred served for over three decades as an Armor and Special Forces Officer. His service spanned six continents and included a variety of special assignments, notably U.S. Defense and Army Attaché to Israel. Though a genuinely modest man, he received numerous awards, including the Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, and Defense Superior Service Medal.

After retiring from the Army, Fred provided consulting services and served as a board member for the National Defense Industry Association. He and Polly also provided in-service training to the FBI Academy and other security and law enforcement organizations. Throughout his career, Fred personified integrity and dedication, exemplifying the ethical principles and enduring values of the Army.

Fred was a true Renaissance man: he was a world traveler, photographer, athlete, gardener, master of style, and cinephile. He was kind, generous, patient, and strong. He and Polly loved each other madly. He was a confidant to his children and grandchildren. His loved ones and countless friends across the world will remember him as a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We will also remember him as a Soldier.

Fred is survived by his wife, Polly, their daughters Venetia Redd (Carter), Tara Stokes (Wade), Stephanie Salus (Kevin), and Jenny Craig (Dan), grandchildren Samuel Redd, Anna King (David), Emma Leiter (Michael), Carrie Holst (Daniel), Nathan Craig, Bradley Stokes, William Craig, David Craig, Wyatt Salus, Mary Craig, Michelle Salus, and Grace Craig, and great-grandchildren Evelyn and Charlotte King, and Raines and Rosemary Leiter.

A memorial service celebrating Fred’s life will be held on April 8th, 2022 at 11 am at First Baptist Church Woodbridge, VA, with visitation beginning at 10 am. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. Memorial contributions may be given to the UVA Foundation, https://giving.as.virginia.edu/fredraines; or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenAshland.com for the Raines family.