Mr. Robert N. Rainey

Robert N. Rainey
February 21, 1929 – October 14, 2023

It is with great sadness, but immense gratitude for a life well-lived, that we announce the passing of Robert N. Rainey (lovingly known as “Bob,” “Rob,” “Uncle Rob,” “Daddy,” “Dad,” and “Grandpa”), at the age of 94, on October 14, 2023. Born in Dalhart, Texas on February 21, 1929, Bob was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He grew up in Dalhart, the youngest of three boys, in a loving, close-knit, God-honoring family. When he was 12 years old, Bob gave his life to Christ, and this was a decision that truly blessed and permeated every aspect of his life. He always put others before himself and faithfully served as a deacon of First Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas for many years.

Ever since Bob was young, he had a deep love for airplanes, flying, and everything aeronautical. He graduated in 1949 from what is now Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree and was then commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve. In 1951, during the Korean War, Bob was called to active duty, and he and his crew were deployed to the 372nd Bomb Squadron, 307th Bomb Wing on the island of Okinawa in 1953. He flew one combat mission over the front lines of Korea, shortly before the end of the war.

After his tour of duty ended, Bob worked at Chance Vought Aircraft (later LTV and Vought Corporation), where he spent 37 years as a structural design engineer. There, he had the privilege of working on many interesting aircraft and related projects, including the F7-U3, F8-U1, F8U-3, B-70, B-52, XC-142, C-5, S-3, 747, Space Shuttle, Scout, Regulus II, A-7, French Crusader, F-111, F-16, and the B-2 Stealth Bomber. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1977 with the rank of Major.

Bob considered his military service to be one of his greatest blessings, second only to his salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, because it led him to the love of his life, Annie “Marie,” to whom he was married for over 68 years. Bob and Marie met while each were dining separately with friends at The Holiday House, a drive-up hamburger restaurant in Austin, Texas, while Bob was stationed there. They married in 1955 and were later blessed with five children-three girls and two boys. Outside of life with his “brown-eyed girl,” as he referred to Marie, Bob’s favorite pastime was spending time with all of his children together, and he passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior doing just that, with a smile on his face as he left this life for the next.

Robert N. Rainey was preceded in death by his mother, Cyvilla; father, Everett; and brothers Elvin, and R.L. He is survived by his loving wife Marie; daughter Sherrie; daughter Lisa (Tom); daughter Donna (Tobin), son Steven (Tammy); son Kevin (Evelyn); grandchildren Nathan, Jasper, Thierry, Hannah, Magaster, Luke, Thomas, Chayce, and Seth, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Bob’s memory will forever be etched in the hearts of his family. We will miss him terribly, but we have extraordinary peace and assurance that we will see him again.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on November 2, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas at 10:00 a.m. with a graveside service to follow at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, one of Bob’s favorite charities.