Clyde Burnell Raines

Born in Chicago, Illinois to Elmer and Berniece (Clover) Raines. He had two sisters, Grace (deceased) and Nina (deceased) and brother, David. The Raines family moved shortly after Clyde’s birth to South Bend, Indiana, where he lived until he joined the US Navy in 1950. Clyde met his wife, Hisae Nakamura, while stationed in Sasebo, Japan in 1956. They were later married in December 1962. After getting married, Clyde was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He did four tours to Vietnam, travelled the world and retired as MMCM in 1974 after 22 years of Naval service. Shortly after the military, he went to work for service civil service as a machinist back in Pearl Harbor. In 1981, the family moved to Port Orchard, Washington, where he went to work for the Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company. In 1983, he returned to civil service, working in the facilities/maintenance department at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. Clyde retired from civil service in 1996.

Clyde loved the outdoors and enjoyed many years of camping and off-roading with his friends. Living in Hawaii allowed Clyde many opportunities for hunting and fishing. His passion was shooting his guns and shooting competitively. In the 1990’s, he shot in several pistol and NRA Silhouette competitions, winning many trophies. Clyde loved challenge and competition and began shooting sporting clays, where perfect scores are rare. Clyde was always on the mission to get the perfect score and although it never happened, no one could ever say it wasn’t for the lack of trying.

There were so many wonderful sides to Clyde, but many will remember him for his colorful sense of humor and how he loved to give everyone nicknames. He loved music, travel, photography, belly laughs, good food and conversation. Clyde lived by the beat of his own drum and was a success at anything he put his mind to. He was well respected and loved by many for his witty personality and love for life.

Clyde is survived by his wife of 58 years, Hisae, daughter and son-in-law Bernice (Berni) and Keith Houk. His sons, Michael and Kerry Raines, his brother, David Raines. His grandchildren, Daniel and Andrae’ Ayer and Shanley Houk, and great grandson, Declan Ayer.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Gary Sinise Foundation.