Edward Russell Rainwater

Mr. Edward R. Rainwater, age 80 of Pearson, Ga. passed away Thursday, April 07, 2016 at his home in Pearson, Ga. after an extended illness.   A native of Erin, Tenn., Mr. Rainwater was born November l0, l935, son of the late Walter and Lena Manning Rainwater. He had made his home in Homerville for many years before moving to Pearson four years ago. Mr. Rainwater was a retired Chief Petty Officer having served twenty years in the U S Navy. After retirement he worked in the insurance business, auto sales and as an auto mechanic. His greatest passion however was music.  He was an accomplished musician playing the steel guitar, keyboards and guitar. He also wrote music and was fortunate enough to have one of his songs published.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Dierdra Holmes.   Survivors include: Wife: Mary Crosby Rainwater of Pearson, Ga.   2 Sons: Russ Rainwater and wife Jan of Oakwood, Ga.             Jeffrey Spivey and wife Denise of Pearson, Ga. 3 Daughters: Stephanie Schotsch and husband Brian of Pearson, Ga.                      Lisa Morgan and husband Greg of Homerville, Ga.                                Samantha Rhymes and husband Randall of Pearson, Ga. 2 Sisters: Margie Smith of Erin, Tn.                  Carol Zarbano of Universal City, Tx.   18 Grandchildren: Mary Holmes of Pennington, N. J., Mark & Hannah Thompson , Josh & Kristi Morgan, Brandon Spivey and Fiancée Sarah Coleman all of Homerville, Ga., Caroline Morgan of Blackshear, Ga., Erin & Adam Smallwood, Allan & Haley Rainwater, Jonathon & Ashley Rainwater all of Oakwood, Ga., Morgan Welker of Meridan, Idaho., Tim Holmes of Richmond Hill, Ga., John Schotsch and Gabriel Schotsch of Pearson, Ga., Rebekah Smith of Lakeland, Ga., Alysa Smith, Zackary Rhymes and  Allie Rhymes of Pearson, Ga., Laura Young, Perrie and Zack Tatum of Oakwood, Ga..   7 Great Grandchildren and several Nieces, Nephews, and other relatives also survive.    Funeral services for Mr. Rainwater held Sunday, April 10, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at Relihan Funeral Home with Rev. Hardy Crosby and Rev. Randall Rhymes officiating. The Eulogy was given by Russ Rainwater. Special musical selections included “When I get Where I’m Going” presented by cd and “It is well with my Soul” and “Go Rest High on that Mountain” were rendered by soloist Jonathan Rainwater who accompanied himself on the guitar. Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was cd music. Military Honors were rendered by an Honor Guard Contingent from the U.S. Naval Base in Albany, Ga.. The interment will follow at a later date.   Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.