Joe Rainey

Joe Lee Rainey went to sleep peacefully on May 11, 2022 surround by his family and a mix of Alabama and Auburn memorabilia because you never know who’s gonna win that year.  He was received into Heaven by his Mother (Ethel Mae Rainey), his father (Sam James Rainey), his grandmother (Jewel Mae Rainey), his sister (Frances Stagner), his brothers (Pete and James Rainey), Niece (Deanna Hogan), Nephew (Freddie Rainey and Trey Anderson)  and his best friend and brother in law (Johnny Thacker) who he lovingly called “Papa”.

God broke the mold when Joe was born on August 2, 1950 in Birmingham Alabama. Joe didn’t graduate from high school or attend a University, but learned something from every new person he met and from the cherished friends he chatted with daily as he walked the streets of his hometown of Shannnon Alabama.

Joe was an expert in checkers, uno, and rumi, although he never quite defeated his only nemesis… Crash Bandicute.  He’s still convinced his game was defective.  Joe loved life, front porch conversations, Rocky Road Fudge, practical jokes, and trips to Tennessee with his traveling buddy Stevie.

Joe leaves behind his sister (Joyce Thacker) Nieces (Candy Wesson, Misty Gillispie, Sandy Hardin, Kimberly Duraso, Stephanie Vann, Tonya Rainey, Taylor Anderson and Avri Gillispie), Nephews  (Phillip Gillispie, Chad Rainey, Isaac Gillispie, and Eli Gillispie) and a host of family and friends who loved him, adored him and saved their cans for him.

Joe was a friend to everyone who crossed his path and a helpful hand to anyone in need. Whether it was collecting money to make sure anyone in his community had flowers at their funeral, picking up a friends mail, or bringing in his neighbors trash cans… Joe made it his life’s work to remember that small acts of kindness can change that persons day for the better.  When asked why he did these things that most people wouldn’t give a second thought to, his response would always be…”Why Not!”

Joe had a purpose far greater than what this world qualifies as high achievement or success. He left this world better than he found it.  He left each one of us better for knowing him. And he left a legacy that will remain in our hearts forever. We love you Joe.