Linda Patricia Rainwater

Dr. Linda Gaulding Rainwater, 83, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026. She was residing at The Terraces of Grove Park in Dothan, Alabama. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray Rainwater, her parents Ruby and Buey Gaulding, and her brother Jerry Gaulding. She is survived by her sons Jason Thrower and Joey Thrower, her 5 grandsons: Mark, Luke, Ben, Cason, and Cameron, and numerous others that she claimed as her own.

Linda graduated from Oxford High School in 1960. She earned her PhD in English Literature from Auburn University and taught for many years at Jacksonville State before retiring to pursue love, travel, and time with family.

An adventurous spirit to her core, Linda believed the best memories were made abroad, preferably with friends and family in tow. She didn’t just take trips; she created stories, carried loved ones into unforgettable adventures, and made sure the phrase “You’ll be glad you came” was always true.

Linda was a gifted painter and published author. She could transform an empty canvas into a masterpiece and a blank journal into an exciting adventure. She saw beauty everywhere and had a magical way of capturing that beauty to share with

others. Cats were among her greatest muses and companions, and she loved them with the kind of devotion usually reserved for royalty.

Linda was also a generous philanthropist. You could often find her at the Oxford Performing Arts Center sponsoring and supporting other talents.

She never met a piece of jewelry she didn’t admire, nor a pair of pajamas she didn’t consider essential. Linda believed life should be both comfortable and fabulous, ideally at the same time.

She leaves behind a collection of beautiful paintings, signed books and handwritten stories, passports, travel photos, and a long list of people who are better, braver, and more adventurous because they knew her.

Linda Rainwater will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.