Ernest William Raine Jr.

Ernest William Raine Jr. of Waddell, AZ, who was known by family and friends as Bill, passed away on June 23, 2013. He was born on November 29, 1952 in Aurora, IL to Ernest W. Sr. and Loretta Raine. Bill graduated from Glendale High School in Glendale, CA in 1970. He attended Glendale Community College, receiving his Associated Degree. He later was accepted at UCLA, but chose to join the United States Air Force in 1974. He acquired the rank of SSgt, being awarded several commendations during his service including: National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Presidential Unit Citation, Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. After an honorable discharge from his military service, Bill gained employment with a pair of highly respected Aerospace companies. Bill worked on a team for various government, military and NASA satellite operations. He would later find employment in the HVAC Industry, where he again excelled as a supervisor. He would spend the rest of his working years in this field, making several close friends along the way. Bill’s greatest achievement, as friends and family would attest, is his dedication and love for his family. This was most recognizable as he proudly and diligently raised his two sons being a single father. He had a great passion for baseball, which he readily shared with his sons, coaching them throughout their lives, often to great success. Bill loved coaching, and did so for several years, often volunteering much of his own time and efforts to local little leagues. Bill is survived by his loving sister, Darlene; two loving sons and daughters in-law, Jason and Belynda, and Curt and Patricia; four dear grandchildren, Samantha, Ava, Troy and Jacob; and many friends. The Visitation will be from 5-8 PM, Friday, July 5, 2013 with the Funeral Service and Military Honors being held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 6, 2013 both at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ. A Reception will immediately follow. Please visit Bill’s online memorial and registry to leave a personal tribute: www.surprisefuneralcare.com (623) 546-8002.