Fred M. Cairnes

Fred Miller Cairnes, 87, died Saturday, August 17, 2013. A native of Henderson County, he was born December 24, 1925, the youngest child of the late John H. and Texie Ledford Cairnes, and was predeceased by six siblings. A Navy veteran, he was the owner/operator of a commercial air conditioning and refrigeration company, and retired from Buncombe County Air Quality. Mr. Cairnes was a member of Beverly Hills Baptist Church, the American Legion, and United Commercial Travelers (an organization helping the developmentally disabled). Mr. and Mrs. Cairnes, also, served as foster parents for several children over the years. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Ruby Stewart Cairnes; his daughter, Sharon Cairnes Craig and her husband, Stuart; and his granddaughter, Isla Kate Craig. He will be remembered fondly by fifteen nieces and nephews: Phyllis Cairnes (Rolla Wade), Linda Cairnes (Kevin Phillips), Valerie McMahan (Martin), Pamela Cairnes, Angela Cairnes, Mack Scruggs (Carolyn), Ann Collins, Judy Coggins, Frankie Heath, Frank Nelson Cairnes, Jr. (Mary), James Sullins (Cheryl), Gloria Hollifield (Rev. Milton, Jr.), Van Sullins (Ann), Cindy Byrd (Sam), and Darlene Schleider (Theo); and sister-in-law Louise Willett. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in the Tunnel Road chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Milton Hollifield, Jr. and the Rev. William A. Snyder officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Park in Black Mountain. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.