Robert Ray Rainer

"October 4, 1939 - October 9, 2016. After a courageous fight against melanoma and related complications, Robert Ray Rainer of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. He was 77. Bob, as his many friends knew him, left this world just as he lived - surrounded by his family and comforted by hundreds of friends whose lives were touched by his wisdom, generosity, big heart and infectious smile. Having grown up in Sarepta, Louisiana, Bob attended Louisiana Tech University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society. During his junior year, he met the love of his life, Sue Weir. They were married Aug. 19, 1961. Bob earned his Master of Science in Journalism from Louisiana State University before serving in the United States Air Force and was a communications executive with U.S. Steel, professional experiences that brought opportunities to live in California, Alabama, Pennsylvania and Utah. Ultimately, Bob, Sue and their 3-year-old son, Randall, decided to settle in Baton Rouge, where Bob could pursue his law degree. During his first year at LSU Law, their daughter, Rebecca arrived to complete their family. Through the firm he co-founded - Rainer and Anding, Bob grew into an accomplished and respected attorney. His passion for the law-and representing his clients in legal disputes involving tax matters and the state and local levels- rivaled his dedication to his family. Bob never missed an athletic event or a drama production. He and Sue were opposite sides of the same coin, devoting their lives to their growing children, then turning their talents and time to supporting charitable causes and community organizations across the Capital City. He served as president of Baton Rouge Rotary Club, chairman of the Baton Rouge General Foundation Board, president of Friends of the Baton Rouge Zoo and president of the Episcopal High School Squires. He also served on numerous boards, including Baton Rouge General Board of Trustees and the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication Alumni Association Executive Board, just to name a few. In 2006, Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge honored him and Sue at its annual "Celebrate the Family" event. In 2008, he was named a "Volunteer Activist" by the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation. He was a longtime member of Ingleside United Methodist Church and had attended First United Methodist Church for the past 16 years. His Sunday School friends could always count on Bob and Sue to host the best Fourth of July party annually at their home. Bob relished hosting parties and tearing up the dance floor with Sue at any and every event they attended. He loved the game of golf, listening to music, snow skiing and fly fishing in the rivers of Colorado. He savored his countless travels with Sue and their family, including an across-country, summer road-trip in their 70s "good times van" to a week in Hawaii with their children and grandchildren to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary, to the lights and theater of New York City. Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sue; son and daughter-in-law Randall and Leslie Crames Rainer of Scarsdale, New York; daughter and son-in-law Randy and Rebecca Rainer Badeaux of Roseville, California; three grandchildren whom he doted on endlessly, Alex Rainer and Kelli Rainer of Scarsdale, New York; and Lisé Badeaux of Roseville, California; and his brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Suzanne Rainer of Ruston, Louisiana; his niece and her husband, Haley and Dominik Holder, and their son E.J., of Gloster, Louisiana, and his step-sister Mary Men Aulds, her husband Joe and their children Joe Christian and Skye, of Ruston, Louisiana. He is preceded in death by his father, Herman Christie Rainer, and his mother, Thelma Rebecca Rainer. Bob's family thanks the incredible doctors, nurses and foundation team from Baton Rouge General Medical Center who fought for Bob's wellness and supported him through his illness, including Dr. Gerald Miletello, Dr. Louis Minksy, Dr. Benton Dupont, Dr. Taylor Theunissen, Dr. Jeffrey Littleton, Dr. Tracee Short, Dr. Hollis O'Neal and the incredible palliative support care team. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Baton Rouge General Foundation, Rotary Club of Baton Rouge Foundation, Friends of the Zoo, Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Symphony, First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge or a charity of your choice . A service to celebrate Bob's life will be held on Nov. 12, 2016, at First United Methodist Church. In the meantime, his family owes a debt of gratitude to the hundreds of prayer warriors and well-wishers who have lent their support in recent months and on whom the family will lean while navigating the unfamiliar, and unexpected, road ahead.