David Rayno

David Rayno was born on January 3, 1936, in Hudson Falls, NY, and passed away on January 5, 2026, at the remarkable age of 90. His life was defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a steady willingness to serve others.
As a young man, David worked alongside his father, Leroy Rayno, delivering groceries, tires, and even dynamite-jobs that shaped his strong work ethic early on. He also developed a love for a motorized bicycle he affectionately called "The Whizzer." He rode it through the streets and sidewalks of Hudson Falls, always keeping an eye out for the local police. When spotted, he would humorously pretend to pedal, though the officers knew better. Fortunately, being Leroy's son earned him a bit more grace than most teenagers.
David married the love of his life, Beatrice "Tootie" Larrow, just one week after her high school graduation. Together they raised three children: Debbie, Janet, and Jeffrey. Their daughter Debbie tragically passed away at age 14 in an automobile accident in 1971, a loss that forever shaped the family.
In 1954, David joined the United States Air Force, serving four years and being stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Lancaster, Ohio. He achieved the level of Flight Chief Staff Sargeant in the electronics division supervising about 40 men before returning home to begin his civilian career.
In 1958, he began working at the Economy Dry Goods Store-later known as the Joy Store-in South Glens Falls. Two years later, he started an apprenticeship at Conklin's Plumbing under a mentor he fondly called Jenks. After five years, David partnered with his nephew, Larry Thayer, to open Rayno and Thayer Plumbing and Heating.
His entrepreneurial spirit continued with the opening of R & T Interior Designs on the Boulevard in Glens Falls, where he expanded his services to include kitchens and baths featuring Wood Mode cabinetry. David remained a self employed master plumber until 1989, later working for Allen Rozell Jr. for one year before fully stepping away from the trade.
David was deeply committed to community service. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 703 in Fort Ann, NY, serving as Post Adjutant from 1982–1985 and Post Commander from 1985–1986. Under his leadership, membership grew, finances strengthened, and the Post building received significant upgrades to its heating, electrical systems, and interior décor.
He was also active in the Fort Ann Rotary Club, serving as Vice President from 1983–1984 and President in 1984. David and Tootie enjoyed snowmobiling with family and friends and joined the Barnstormers Snowmobile Club in 1987. He also served his community as a member of the Fort Ann Volunteer Fire Company.
In 1990 and 1991, David and Tootie became co managers of the Iroquois RV Park in Peru, NY, where their warmth and hospitality made every guest feel welcome. In 1993, they fulfilled a dream by creating and opening their own campground, Lake Harmony RV Park, which offered about 45 sites. After selling the park in 1996, they retired to Rincon, GA, where they made many cherished friends in the Hickory Knob community.
In 1997, David became actively involved in his local Presbyterian USA church. He served as an elder and volunteered his skills to later help build a church on land donated by Roger Macomber-one more example of his lifelong habit of serving others.
In 2007, David helped his son and daughter in law, Laura M Rayno buildout what became known as Savannah Joe Coffee House in Pooler, GA. He helped Jeff run all of the plumbing in the store. He really liked his coffee.
After Tootie died in 2013, David decided to move to Chipley, FL to live with the family of his daughter Janet McDermott. It was there he built a steel garage, a steel house, and rehabbed a red cabin before and after the hurricane known as Michael passed through. It was a lot of work with the help of Janet and Martin. They were aided by their friend, a backhoe, affectionately known as "JD" after John Deere. David did all of this in his 80's
David will be deeply missed by his family and by the countless people he helped, encouraged, and worked alongside over more than seven decades of adult life. Work was his mission serving God, and family was his heart. His legacy is one of determination, generosity, and enduring love.
Davis is preceded in death by his parents, Leroy Morris and Gertrude Mae Rayno; his in-laws, Joseph and Beatrice May (Carr) Larrow; wife, Beatrice M. Rayno (Larrow); his first-born child, Deborah Jane Rayno, who died in 1971; son-in-law, Martin William McDermott; and brothers, Paul (Joe) Rayno and Glen Rayno.
Left to treasure his memory are his children, Janet Dee McDermott and Jeffrey D Rayno (Laura); sister, Joan Hinchcliffe; grandchildren, David McDermott (Katherine), Martin McDermott, Meghan Rayno (David Prussia) and Daniel Rayno; and great-granddaughter, Marilee Prussia.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Church of Christ, 2000 Lexington Ave., Rincon, GA 31326. All attendees are invited to a reception following the service.