Robert Henry Rayner Sr.

Robert Henry Rayner Sr was born March 1, 1935, in Brownsville, Tennessee to the union of Mr. Grady and Mrs. Eddie Lou Turner Rayner. He was the oldest of their 13 children He attended school in Haywood County, TN. Robert accepted Christ at an early age and served off and on in the church throughout his adult life. Robert united in holy matrimony to Pearline Smith in 1953 and later moved his family to St Louis, MO for better job opportunities, moving to Indianapolis years later. Robert was also fondly called Bob, Bill Bo, and Cool Rob. Robert was employed at General Motors Truck and Bus and retired in 2005 with 38 years of service. He loved attending the GM family day annual picnics. He later retired from Lee’s Drywall Service. Robert was a devoted and loving husband, father and friend, he also enjoyed spending time with extended family and friends. Robert was an avid motorcyclist and a member of The Naptown Riders. He often gave the grandkids a ride around the block on his Honda GoldWing motorcycle. Robert enjoyed cheering for the Indiana Pacers, rarely missing a game on TV while double checking the channel and time of each game with his brother Sam. For many years he couldn't wait to start working in his garden, planting many vegetables then, hanging and drying out those red peppers, getting them ready to make his homemade Chow Chow for his homegrown collard greens..He also loved doing the word search puzzle books daily and beating online solitaire. Robert departed this life on Sunday April 28, 2024 at 89 years of age. Robert was preceded in death by both of his parents, wife Pearline of 65 years, daughter Joyce Gilbert, Brothers; Will, Frank , Edward , David and Willie James Rayner. He leaves to cherish his memory 7 children; Annie Sanders, Robert Jr (Lynetta) Debra Gillard, Cynthia Marie Edmond ( James), Marvin, Robert C and Anthony Jones, 6 brother; JC, Leroy, Larry, Sammy, Ed Lee (Catherine), Kenny and 1 sister Betty,17 grandchildren , 31 great grandchildren , 8 great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.