Walter C. Rains' Obituary
RAINS, Walter C., age 90, of Waynesville, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Ohio Living Quaker Heights in Waynesville.
As a kid, Walter helped his dad with his logging business and was proud of the Belgium work horses and a pair of mules that he raised. He honorably served in the United States Navy and was based in Korea, Japan, and San Diego. He drove a semi-truck for International Harvester for a short time but decided to work full time for General Motors. Walter retired from General Motors in 1980 after 30 years of service. He ran a water delivery business for five years, which covered all of Warren County. Upon retiring, he proudly became a full-time babysitter for all of his grandchildren. Walter was an active and faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Waynesville.
Hardworking, unselfish, quiet, supportive, never one to complain, and tough as nails, Walter was loyal and committed to his family. He never missed a game when his kids or grandkids were playing, and even made a point to watch their practices.
Among many things, he will also be remembered for his immaculate garden that covered nearly an acre in size. Many people have commented that they knew to put their garden in by driving by the Rains’ home and seeing their garden planted. He looked forward to the harvest season when he would freeze corn and okra and can beans and tomatoes. The quality of the vegetables that were grown made him known within his wide circle of family and friends. It put a smile on his face when Hilary and Graham asked for help with their garden.
One eventful summer, Bertha and Walter were invited to be guest host and hostess at Wolf Creek Dam at Lake Cumberland, which turned out to be one of their most memorable summers away from home. They ended up being the host for 3 consecutive years. They also greatly enjoyed numerous travels to Florida, Alaska, and trips out west over the years. It was their many camping trips with children and grandchildren to Laurel Lake, Dale Hollow, and Lake Cumberland in Kentucky and Tennessee that really provided the family memories. They began camping with a camper, then a fifth-wheel, and eventually an RV. He enjoyed helping his wife, Bertha when she went fishing. She would catch the fish and he would clean them.
Walter was always on the go, and even in his later years looked forward to mowing his yard, even when he had difficulty walking. He was a big NASCAR fan and always thought he could have been a driver if Bertha hadn’t been so scared about it. He had an overall appreciation of cars, with his all-time favorite being a ’65 Mustang. He also enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds and Kentucky and Tennessee basketball.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha, in 2020; one son-in-law Mike Whipp; his parents Garrett and Rebecca Rains; two brothers Howard and Joe Rains; and one sister Myrtle Phillips. He is survived by son Duwayne (Sharon) Rains; daughter Sherry Whipp; six grandchildren Lyndsey (Greg) Hulen, Andrew (Jenna) Whipp, Aaron (Sarah) Whipp, Hilary (Graham) Morgan, Elijah (Cosette) Rains, and Aubrey Rains; eleven great-grandchildren Colton, Josey, Wyatt, Liam, Payten, Madeline, Kelton, Savanah, Bennett, Camden, and Charlie; and one brother James Rains.
A funeral service will be held at 1 PM Saturday, July 2 at Waynesville Community Church (aka Waynesville First Baptist Church). Dale McCloud will be officiating the service. The family will receive friends from 11 AM - 1 PM Saturday at the church. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. If desired, contributions may be made to the activities department of Quaker Heights and Waynesville Community Church. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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