Obituaries

Charles Larry Rainwater, age 74, passed away August 23, 2018 at Atrium Health/Carolinas Healthcare System-Lincoln after a long and well-fought struggle with cancer.  He was born in Mecklenburg County, NC on February 7, 1944, son of Palmer Franklin and Alma Smelcer Rainwater.

Charles was a graduate of Rock Springs High School, Denver, NC where he lettered in basketball and football and remained a lifelong sports fan of the Charlotte Hornets, Panthers and the Tennessee Volunteers.  He retired from American and Efird, Inc., Mount Holly, NC.

Charles was long involved in his community serving as a volunteer fireman, Jaycee, and serving in many capacities for the Rhyne Cannon American Legion Post 266, Stanley, NC for many years.

He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Specialist 5th Class during his two year enlistment.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Courtney Marissa, five sisters: Ola (James) Gordon, Leona (Douglas) Spencer, Imogene (Jack) Correll, Ruby (L.C.) Batson, Martha (Frank) Kertesz; three brothers: Fred (Debbie), Pross (Pat) and Roy Rainwater.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara (Bobbie) Barker Rainwater, brother Simon (Doris) of Texas, brother and sister in laws Richard and Pam Sanders and BC and Ann Ballard, and many special nieces and nephews.

The family appreciates the care and compassion provided by the staff at the Levine Cancer Institute, Lincolnton, NC.

The funeral service, officiated by Dr. Randy Setzer and Rev. Joe Canipe  will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church, 5286 Highway East 150, Lincolnton, NC on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Macedonia Baptist Church, 5286 Highway 150 E., Lincolnton, NC 28092, Shriners Hospital, PO Box 1510, Ranson, WV 25438, Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675.