Walter C. Rainey Sr.

Walter C. Rainey, Sr., passed away peacefully at home on June 27. He was 95 years old. Walter was born to Albert Carl Rainey (A.C.) and Alline Fields Rainey on June 11, 1929, in Newbern, Tennessee. He was predeceased by his brother A.C. Rainey Jr., his sister Theresa Wakefield, and an infant grandson David.

Walter is survived by his wife of 73 years, Jane Taylor Rainey, his sons Walter Clayton, Jr. (Tiffany), Steve (Sherry) daughters Melinda Martinson (Charles) and Camille Weber (Jerry) and eight grandchildren: Michelle Rainey (Cristian Sturba) and Taylor Rainey; Molly Martinson Shaw (Matt) and James Martinson; Ryan (Kaitlyn) Rainey; Matt (Jess), Erin and Jake (Chelsie) Weber. He is also survived by two great grandchildren Josie Weber and Leo Sturba.

Walter lived most of his young adulthood in Ripley, Tennessee where he played football for the Ripley Tigers and met and later married Jane Taylor. Walter attended Murray State until he entered the Navy. He served between 1951 and 1955 where he was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was in the special operations group of the Blue Angels. After the service, he worked with his father and brother at the Ripley Implement & Seed Company. Walter was a Shriner and a Mason.

Walter later moved the family to Columbus, Ohio where he became an avid Ohio State football fan. He and Jane traveled with the Buckeye Boosters to almost all of the Big Ten games and Rose Bowls.

Walter worked for Classic Cars in Columbus for many years. He later founded Mad Hatter Mufflers which he owned and operated until his retirement.

Walter and Jane traveled the world, but he never forgot where he came from. He was a kind and generous man. He will be missed.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 11-12 pm at SCHOEDINGER GROVE CITY 4242 Hoover Rd. where his service will begin at 12 noon. Interment will be at Alton Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Walter may be made to St. Jude or Shriners Hospital for Children.