Dates
Jeffrey "Jeff" Lewis Rainey, 51, went to be in the arms of Jesus on Sunday, July 13, 2014. Bud and Sandra Rainey proudly welcomed Jeff into their family on May 9, 1963 in Abilene, TX. Growing up in a very close-knit family, Jeff treasured a deep love for his brother, Rusty and sister, Kristi.
Throughout childhood, Jeff matured into manhood while living in Floydada. All the while, he participated in a variety of sports. He also developed a love of nature, especially bird watching.
He graduated from Floydada High School as valedictorian in 1981 and received a degree in business from Angelo State University in 1985.
In 1985, he married Penny Kirtley, and from their union Jeff was ushered into his cherished role as father to Jayton Lewis on July 22, 1993. He thrived on being the best dad in the world as he thrilled to watch his son grow and mature while participating in many activities, including sports, science fair competitions, and A & M Corp. The pride he had for Jayton continued to his final earthly day. The bond between father and son was beyond measure.
While residing in San Angelo, Tonya Dierschke and Jeff were introduced by mutual best friends. God blessed the joining of their hearts in marriage on November 6, 1999, as Tonya became Jeff's bride.
Being doubly blessed in the marriage, he became a father to Tonya's daughter, Brooke.
With a deep and abiding love for family and friends, Jeff's heart swelled even greater upon the birth of his granddaughter, Parker from Jared and Brooke's marriage.
Jeff's greatest love was for his Lord and Savior. He lived his life in a humble and giving manner touching everyone he encountered. He shared his passion for God through his active participation at First United Methodist Church and in the Emmaus community serving as Lay Director in March of 2014. His servanthood extended throughout the community by sitting on the boards of West Texas Boys Ranch and Angelo State University Alumni Association. His joy filled spirit exemplified Jesus and was a testament to all.
The surviving family that was blessed to have loved Jeff here on earth includes his best friend & wife, Tonya, his children, Jayton Rainey of College Station, Brooke and Jared Kuhlmey of San Antonio, the apple of his eye, granddaughter, Parker Kuhlmey, his parents, Bud and Sandra Rainey of Friona, mother-in-law, Jo Sanford, brother, Rusty Rainey of Kansas, sister and brother-in-law, Kristi and Mike Neill of Canyon, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Todd and Shelly Sanford of San Angelo, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike and Tammy Hale of Plano, nieces and nephews, Kaleb, Jaelin, Megan, Maisie Rainey, Keegan & Blair and son, Bennett, Kendall Neill, Cole, Garrett, and Mattie Sanford, Kaitlyn Hale, other loving aunts, uncles, and cousins and his beloved dog, Buttercup.
The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at Johnson's Funeral Home. A celebration of Jeff's life and love will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Sam Hunnicutt officiating. Internment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers for the celebration will be Jayton Rainey, Keegan Neill, Kendall Neill, Kevin Noland, Cole Sanford, Garrett Sanford, Moody Younger, & Bart Patzer.
Honorary Pallbearers are Jeff's Emmaus Brothers in Christ.
The family kindly asks memorials be made to the Concho Country Emmaus Community at P.O. Box 1522 San Angelo, TX 76902