Gerald K. Rainwater

Reverend Gerald K. Rainwater (aka Jerry), 74, formerly of Fort Smith, Ark., died Aug. 19, 2014 in Jonesboro, Ark. He served 22 local church congregations as a United Methodist pastor during his 39 years of ministry. He was a graduate of Fort Smith High School Class of '57, the University of Arkansas, and Perkins School of Theology at SMU in Dallas, Texas. He is predeceased by his father, Harley S. Rainwater; and mother, Mary F. Rainwater; and his brother, Billy J. Rainwater, all of Fort Smith. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Reverend Nancy (Major) Rainwater, of Imboden, Ark.; three married sons, David and Becky Rainwater of North Little Rock, Danny and Susan Rainwater of Jonesboro, and John Rainwater and Randy Lyles of Memphis, Tenn.; three granddaughters, Ashleigh Oleson, Aubreigh Rainwater, and Abbeigh Rainwater, all of Jonesboro; a great-granddaughter, Bekket Soles; and one sister, Flo Chism of Roanoke, Texas. A celebration and memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Conway, Ark. where he was ordained an Elder of the North Arkansas Conference. The service will be held in the chapel on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014 at 2 p.m. As a tribute to Rev. Rainwater's love for local churches and their congregations, memorial gifts may be made in his name to the local church of the donor's choice, or alternatively, to the Alzheimer's Arkansas at 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark., 72205 or www.alzark.org.