Birth date: Aug 29, 1926 Death date: Jul 11, 2017
Harry Hawkins Rainey, 90 of Fern Park, FL went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. Harry was born on August 29, 1926 in Brooklyn, NY to the late George and Ruth Rainey. Harry was a World War 2 Navy veteran and worked 65 Read Obituary
Uncle Harry is the only uncle I truly ever had! As a child I got a kick out of being able to speak with him on the phone from time to time when he would call his brother Ross; my Dad. I remember begging him to come to Michigan for a visit, but he swore he wouldn't go north of the Mason-Dixon Line (classic Uncle Harry). I would often remind him that his trips to Alaska were north of that Line, and he always countered with, "That's different"! We would always have a great laugh about that. I remember personally calling him and Aunt Effie 24 years ago to come to Michigan for my wedding. With little persuasion required, he and Aunt Effie braved the crossing of the Mason-Dixon Line, and the cold November 20th winter in the Detroit area, which as I recall was about 20 degrees. Having them attend was a great highlight of my wedding I will never forget. My only regret for that visit, was that I didn't have more time with them during their visit. I had to go on my Honeymoon, lol!!!
On several occasions me and my family ventured to Florida on vacation, for which we always made the time to pop in for a visit, and share some great family fellowship. Always a highlight of my trip to that State.
During one of my conversations with him on the phone years ago, it came to light that he had retained many canisters of film and pictures from Jimmy Hawkins early days and hunting trips back in the 1920's. Being a big hunter and photographer myself, this news came as a wonderful surprise. I wasn't sure how good the 16mm fims would be after all the years in a box in a closet in Florida, but I was excited about the news all the same. A box arrived shortly after our coversation in the mail with 37 canisters of old film. The fim was still good. With some extensive restoration and repair and over 10 months later, I had converted it all to DVD and inserted the music background. It was a great project I worked on almost everyday until done. At the end, two DVD's were filled of the early days in Brooklyn, fishing down in the keys of Florida, and all of the hunting trips in the 1920's out to the Great North West. I was told Uncle Harry wept when he saw it all again for the first time on DVD. That made all of the effort worth it!
Over the years I received many more family pictures to archive and appreciated all the love and kindness my Aunt & Uncle have shown me and my family.
Uncle Harry, you will forever be in my heart with fondest memories, as my favorite Uncle; my only uncle (lol)!! Besides all of that, I will never look at a bottle orange juice without thinking of you, or an orange for that matter. Getting the boxes of citrus shipped to Michigan when I was a kid was always a great kick.
Thank you Uncle Harry for being a great uncle. Thanks for all the memories and love you showed to us over the years. We will all catch up to you before too long, and be with Him Forever together ...
Your "Favorite Nephew",
Tim Rainey
Brownstown Twp., MI
Harry and I were on the same committee here in Lake of the Woods. What a character!
He called me "Mouth of the South". I really enjoyed knowing him and working with him and Effie is one of the sweetest people I have every known. God bless you Harry, you will be missed. Doris Huskey
Our first memories of Harry & Effie were when we went to Fl. to spend some time in the winter & met them at NAC church, we went to a Gaither concert in Lakeland & they took us under their wing. They invited us to their home every year for a meal & good times of fun & fellowship. Even though we do not be there anymore we are grateful for being able to be in touch with these dear friends. Harry was a very dedicated Christian. Praying for Effie & her family that the Lord will comfort them at this time.
Love, Ev & Stu
I'm so thankful for the visit I enjoyed with Uncle Harry and Aunt Effie a few years ago. It was special to hear him recount his memories of their courtship. I was touched that he remembered my father so fondly, too. His love for our Lord Jesus shone through his conversation. Now he is with Him!
Thinking of you all during this sad time. I have fond and fun memories of Uncle Harry - always loved to tease him and get him going. You are on my heart especially now, and Dad, Marsha, Bob and I send our love.
I met Harry Rainey Sr and his wife at Harry Rainey Jr.'s Retirement ceremony at Disney World. I enjoyed a conversation with him. May GOD rest his soul in Peace.
Respectfully H Alan Davis
