of Memphis, TN

January 2, 1947 - March 2, 2025

William Palma "Pal" Rainey, a respected attorney, judge and devoted father and grandfather, passed away on March 2, 2025 with his sons by his side.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Pal was raised on a farm west of Turrell, Arkansas, where he developed the strong values of integrity, hard work and justice that would define his career. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas in 1969 and his Juris Doctor in 1972. Admitted to the Arkansas Bar in 1973, he embarked on a distinguished legal career that spanned more than five decades. Pal was a tireless worker, often found at his office seven days a week, fully devoted to his clients and the pursuit of justice.

Widely recognized throughout eastern Arkansas as one of the finest attorneys of his time, Pal's dedication to the law led him to serve as a Juvenile Court Judge in Crittenden County from 1975 to 1979. He was later elected as a Municipal Court Judge in 1987, where he remained on the bench until his retirement in 2012. Known for his sharp wit, fiery demeanor and unwavering candor, he brought both passion and fairness to every case before him. His courtroom was often the subject of humorous stories reported in The Evening Times, a testament to his larger-than-life personality.

Pal was a devoted father to his two sons, William "Will" Palma Rainey II (Cindy) and Chamblee Hayne Rainey (Megan Snider). He was also a proud grandfather to William Garrett Rainey, Olivia Claire Rainey and Ethan Paul McGuire. His former spouses, Ann Beane Hudson and Patricia Hayne Rainey, were part of his journey through life, providing him with love, helping him raise his beloved sons and rounding out his sharp edges. In his later years, Donna S. Qualls provided cherished friendship.

Pal was preceded in death by his father, William ''Tibbie'' Clifton Rainey; mother, Miriam Suzanne ''Susie'' Chamblee Rainey; sister, Emily McClendon Cockrill and brother-in-law, Albert Haden Cockrill, Sr. He is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

During his life, Pal enjoyed rooting for his Arkansas Razorbacks, duck hunting, boating, watching NASCAR, fine dining and finer desserts and traveling to the Gulf Coast and New Orleans-places that brought him joy and good memories.

The family is eternally grateful to the physicians and staff at the UAMS Myeloma Center in Little Rock and the West Cancer Center in Memphis for their continuous care and compassion over the last several years. Their hard work gave him strength to carry forward until his dying breath. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pal's memory to the UAMS Myeloma Center.

A visitation will be held at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home (201 Pine St, West Memphis, AR 72301) on Thursday, March 27th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. To those who knew Pal, the family asks that you please share with them your memories and stories. A graveside service will take place the following morning, Friday, March 28th at 10:00 a.m. at Crittenden Memorial Park Cemetery (2206 Hwy 64 West, Marion, AR 72364) with a reception to follow at the home of Will Rainey. All are welcome.

Pal Rainey's legacy of strength, humor and commitment to justice will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a blessing.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com