Ted was a native of Mobile, Alabama and graduated from Murphy High School in 1963. He attended Southwest State Technical School and studied Information Technology. He worked for International Paper at the Southern Regional Computer Center until it was closed. He transferred to Memphis, Tennessee when International Paper consolidated the computer centers, working a total of 37 years, retiring in 2002. He then worked for the City of Memphis, as a contractor, updating their IT Department. Before leaving Mobile, he also served as an Alabama Auxiliary State Trooper. Ted was a generous person, willing to do anything he could to help others. He could fix almost anything, and was one of the smartest men we ever knew. His abilities allowed him to handle electrical, HVAC, plumbing, construction and automotive repair. He enjoyed NASCAR racing and playing and watching golf. He was very outgoing and loved to talk.
He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Herman Rainwater, Sr. (Pap Paw), and his mother Essie Mccullough Rainwater (Mam Maw), and only brother, Henry Herman Rainwater, Jr. (Drip) and sister in law Joyce Jenkins Rainwater.
He is survived by his niece, Pamela Rainwater Sheldt and her husband Robert E. Sheldt, Jr. He was GUT (Great Uncle Ted) to Lauren Sheldt Cooper (Curtis), Lindsey Sheldt Reid (Will) and Lisa Sheldt Staggers (Bentley). His great, great nephews and niece are Carson Reed Cooper, Caden Robert Cooper, Cohen Alexander Sheldt, Anson Taylor Staggers and Cora Anne Camille Staggers. He leaves behind a host of dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, November 3rd at 6:00 at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street.
There will be a graveside service at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Newnan, Georgia on Tuesday, November 7th at 2:00. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude’s Hospital.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the Rainwater family.
