of Knoxville, AR

March 28, 1943 - August 15, 2024

James Wayne Rainey, aged 81, of Knoxville, AR gained his wings on Thursday, August 15, 2024. He was born on March 28, 1943 to Glen and Laura (Brookshire) Rainey.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jason Rainey and a brother, Fred Rainey.

James started working at a very young age as a meat cutter, later working for Arkhola Sand and Gravel as a Foreman before it was sold to USA Block where he remained working until he was promoted to a traveling cook. James traveled throughout the south to do fish fries for USA Block customers and home offices. Cooking became his passion and he continued to cook after retirement, doing fish fries frequently for his friends and family until he no longer could. James was a commercial fisherman. In his free time, he ran nets and trotlines in the river for many years. Nothing would stop him from that giant catfish, not even hanging out of the boat and scaring anyone with him.

James is survived by his special friend, Jennie Brown of Knoxville; his best friends, Danny Harden and Bill Hughes both of Knoxville; His best cousin, Darrell Campbell of Van Buren; His children, Jamie Rainey of Coal Hill, Gregg (Cassie) Rainey of Ozone, Missy Dalhem of Clarksville and Rick Galvin of Clarksville; His Grandchildren, Dawson Rainey (whom he adored. Dawson was his fishing and hunting buddy), Taegen Rainey, Dustin Rainey and Hope Dalhem; several great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild; His sisters, Linda, Glinda, Sue and Bettye; a brother, Robert Rainey and several other family members too numerous to list. James is also survived by his ex-wife of 34 years, Shirley Rainey, whom he remained friends with.

Graveside services and burial will be held at Hartman Cemetery in Hartman, Arkansas on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. There will be no visitation, but the family invites you to come by Roller Funeral Home in Clarksville to sign the guest book and for viewing.

Pallbearers will be Dawson Rainey, Rick Galvin, Greg Rainey, Dustin Rainey, Travis Wood and Brian McCarley

Honorary Pallbearers are Danny Harden, Eric Harden, Taegen Rainey, Robert Rainey, David Pearson, Jacob Rainey, Bill Hughes, Charles Hughes, Jerry Holman, Don Cochran, Garry Club, Mark Sanders, Collin Mefford, Darrell Campbell, The Knoxville Water and Fire Department employees, all the employees of Johnson County Health and Rehab and all the friends that have visited with him on his front porch over the years. You all made the days go by faster and put a smile on his face.

If you're out hunting or fishing, especially at Cabin Creek Park, think of James when you look up in the sky. He'll be watching to see how big that catfish is or how many points that buck has. It's not goodbye…..just see you on the dock.

A special thank you to Jerry Holman for keeping his hair cut even on his days off and a huge thank you to the staff at Johnson County Health and Rehab, especially his favorite, Jesse ''Fake Jamie'' Price. You all took better care of our dad and grandpa than anyone ever could have. You will all forever hold a special place in our hearts.

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