GORDON RAINEY

RAINEY Gordon Mumford Rainey, Jr. passed away on the morning of June 6, 2012. He was born on August 28, 1928 in Salvisa, KY to the Reverend Gordon M. Rainey and Lois Hatcher Rainey. He was predeceased by his brother Carlin Rainey and sister Hatcher Rainey. He was a graduate of The University of Georgia and received his Masters at Emory University. He was a Jazz Saxophone player, and considered joining the Harry James Band, but turned to teaching instead. In 1961 he joined the New England Mutual Life Insurance Co, serving as agency supervisor in the Atlanta Office. He was then appointed General Agent in Jacksonville and held that position for 35 yrs. He won many awards for his leadership in the agency. He was president of the Life Underwriters of Florida, President of the CLU chapter locally as well as State President. He was a member of Westside Rotary Club, the River Club, Timuquana Country Club and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans. Although he did enjoy golf, his greatest love was his family. He married Lin in 1962 and their only child, Gordon Rainey, III was born in 1964. He never missed one of his son's birthday parties, and he truly loved the cake! He loved attending any sports event that involved his son. After young Gordon left for college, one of his friends asked him if he was relieved to have an empty nest with peace and quiet, his answer: Well, I haven't finished raising Lin yet! In 1992 they were then blessed with a daughter-in-love, young Gordon's wife, Janet Fenton Rainey. Blessings continued to flow with two beautiful Granddaughters, Fenton and Isabela Rainey. He loved his girls and would always get a special smile on his face when they called and was very anxious to hear what event they wanted to share, or just to hear that they loved him. He was very committed to his church, growing up as a Methodist ministers' son, made him a true PK .... in every way! He met Lin and they were married in 6 weeks! Their 50th wedding anniversary would have been this September 21. A common bond they shared through all the years was music. Gordon loved the Big Band Era and he especially enjoyed our wonderful Orchestra. He spent many hours feeding his soul with the sounds of music ... jazz, big band, and classical. He also had a passion for Man's Best Friend, always walking his 4 legged children, letting them run and play in the park. He was a very compassionate man. His wonderful sense of humor, his gracious manner and his dry wit will always be remembered. He was the epitome of a True Southern Gentleman! A memorial Service will be held at the Ortega United Methodist Church. 4807 Roosevelt Blvd. on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests that any donations be sent to The Jacksonville Symphony or the Humane Society of Jacksonville. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com