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.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18707351000.
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25 Condolence(s)
Anne Hyatt McCarley
Saturday, March 29, 2025
I was sorry to hear of Pal’s death. Today I went to the funeral of Paige Upton
In Heber Springs and John Meggars gave the Eulogy. John told a story about a time he, Paige and Payton had to go before the Honorable Pal Rainey. Small world.
Xo Anne McCarley
Jane Russell The Evening Times
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Pal was a great story teller that possessed an excellent legal mind. Over the years he sat on the bench he provided many great comments and real zingers that entertained our readers during his court room antics. Prayers for his family.
Lester C Sells
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
RIP
Mary Smithey
Thursday, March 13, 2025
I am very saddened to learn of Pals passing. As an attorney and a judge, I found him to be fair and kind as well as very personable. I have never Encountered others in his profession that exemplified all these human behaviors in such a way as you set a person at ease and make them feel valued. my condolences to his loved ones. He will be missed.
HELEN FAYE LOVELACE
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Prayers for the family. Pal was a unique man and will not be forgotten.
Shelbie McCollum
Monday, March 10, 2025
Pal was a long time friend. He was funny, kind but all business regarding his job. You will be missed old friend! Prayers to his family!
Bob Ross
Friday, March 7, 2025
I was saddened to hear of Pal’s death. We were in grade school together and shared many experiences over the years. Although our paths never crossed professionally I often saw him at events and kept up with his tenure as a judge through the many stories in the paper about his often funny comments.
May his memory be a blessing to his family and friends, now and in the days to come.
Keith Crowder
Friday, March 7, 2025
Pal was always a friend to all of us at the coffee shop in the mornings or wherever you ran into him. Prayers to all his family!
Michael Hughes
Friday, March 7, 2025
Always appreciated having Judge Rainey as neighbor to his law office. He was always approachable and kind. Occasionally would run into him while out and about also. He always had a nice word on those occasions. He will be missed. Praying for the entire family.
Deborah Conlee
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Although I knew Pal had been ill for a long time, this news was still a huge shock. I worked for Pal when he was a partner in the law firm of Ruebens, Rainey & Saxton. I had zero legal experience and very little secretarial experience, but was willing to learn, and learn I did! He was so patient and helpful and would spend a lot of time telling me literally about the law and how it pertained to a particular case of his. His uncanny humor and quick wit were over the top! Everyday working for him was an adventure and I'll never forget him.
To Will and Hayne, and his grandchildren, I know your heart is breaking, but know that Pal left a legacy that won't ever be forgotten. There is joy in his homegoing, knowing you'll see him again. My prayers are with you all.
Dawson Burns
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Rest in peace Pal, my condolences to the friends and family affected by the loss. I hope they find closure and peace down the road, you’ll be missed deeply and dearly
Buffy Topper
Thursday, March 6, 2025
As court reporter for various judges throughout the years, we had Pal before us on numerous cases. Most people usually don’t equate “funny” with court, but Pal was funny and came up with some real zingers. I will always smile when I think of him and the things he used to say.
David Goodson
Thursday, March 6, 2025
I am saddened to hear about Pal’s passing.
I had the privilege of getting to preside over several cases Pal was involved in over many years.
Pal always understood the law, knew the facts, saw the holes or weakness in the opponents’ case, and ably represented his Client’s interest. Using his wit, he would come up with a “theme” for each case, and mention that theme every chance he got.
One of the more humorous “themes” I recall was “Dancing at the Eagles Club on Wednesday nights when they offer free dancing lessons.” I heard that theme so many times I will never forget it!
Pal will be missed by his family, friends and the Legal Community.
Diana Ford Proffitt
Thursday, March 6, 2025
So sorry to hear about Pal. When my family moved to West Memphis in 1980, he was our neighbor on Cooper. He was a great lawyer & Judge & always so personable. Prayers for the family.
Thad Cockrill
Thursday, March 6, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Pal's passing. My sincere condolences to you all.
Thad
Michael Snell
Thursday, March 6, 2025
My prayers and condolences to Pal's family. He was a good friend and one of two from whom I learned what they don't teach in law school - how to be a lawyer! God Speed, my good friend!
Andy Luttrell
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Prayers for the Rainey family,
Andy Luttrell
Ralph Wilson Jr.
Thursday, March 6, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss of Pal. He was an occasional adversary in court many years ago. He was always well prepared and a worthy, honorable adversary in court. After I took the bench, he appeared before me as a zealous, organized, professional advocate for his numerous clients. Pal and I were good friends off the bench and I truly enjoyed his wit, humor, and story telling. Pal will be missed. Again, I am sorry for your loss of a fine jurist, attorney, and loyal friend.
Allison Cain
Thursday, March 6, 2025
I had the privilege of working for Pal during high school and after (1987-1989). There were a lot of fun times working his office and being a part of his family. He and Patti even entrusted the care of Hayne to me at different times as a babysitter. One specific memory I have of Pal is when he would have me drive him to the Shelby County Courthouse. I resisted at first, and he said "Allison, you need to learn". I would drive him over, let him out at the courthouse, and he instructed me to keep driving around the block until he came out. Many good memories working in his office. My thoughts and prayers are with Will, Hayne, and their families.
Jacki Fowler
Thursday, March 6, 2025
So sorry to hear of Pal’s passing. Prayers for his family. I worked with Pal in his Marion office for a couple of years. I enjoyed working with him.
Delores Wheeless
Thursday, March 6, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of Pals passing. I met Pal many years ago when he had his Attorney’s Office in the Holiday Plaza Mall. He was a great attorney and judge.
My prayers are with his family and friends.
Delbert Pipkin
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Prayers for the family
God's speed my friend
Rossie Daniels
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Hearing of this loss hurts. He was one of my favorite people/clients when I worked in Marion at Joseph's Salon. Visiting and hearing his stories was always a highlight to my day.
To his family...his loss is Heaven's gain! Lord look out! Pal's in the house!! :)
Mike Allen
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Going to miss Pal. He left behind a legacy that his family should be proud of. He was a great Attorney and Judge and best of all a good friend.
Gary Harlow
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Sorry to see this and will be praying for the families left behind to cherish the memories made. Pal was a good guy and will be remembered by all that knew him