Robert Larry Rainey, Jr's Obituary
Robert "Rob" Larry Rainey, 62, of Cleveland, Oklahoma, passed away at his residence on December 28, 2024. A free spirit with an adventurous heart, Rob lived life on his own terms and never met a challenge he couldn't tackle.
Born February 24, 1962, in Tulsa to Larry and Judy Farrow (Caldwell) Rainey. Rob attended Tulsa Webster High School. After high school, he served in the US Navy and resided in San Diego, CA where his love for restaurant/bar management began.
In 1989 he had a son, Ryan Reed. In 1991, he married April Stafford and they had 2 additional daughters together, Megan Elise and Kara Danielle.
He was multi-talented, a quick learner, and adventerous... these traits led him through different career paths in the restaurant industry, a transfer with Cox cable in Tulsa to Telluride, CO, managing a private island in the Bahamas, to back home in Tulsa, obtaining his CDL and truck driving.
Rob was known for his creative and curious spirit, and contagious smile. He was always eager to explore new things and loved to learn. His quick wit and constant jokes brought laughter to those around him, while his strong work ethic earned him respect in every endeavor he pursued. Rob was very friendly and outgoing and could quickly make friends with a stranger. He was all about being present in the moment, and "making" fun times and memories instead of just passing time, from decorating with lights, and making music to his special love for meticulously dressing up on Halloween.
He is survived by his parents Larry Rainey and Judy Farrow; his sister Shelly Ricci, nephew Giovanni, his four children: Ryan Reed, Jimi Tackett, Megan Rainey-Morgan, and Kara Rainey; his beloved grandchildren: Jesper, Skyler, Willow, and Zoey; his uncle Jim and wife Linda Rainey, along with other family members in the Tulsa area.
Rob's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him as a hard-working, artistic soul who approached life with humor and determination.
May you think of him when entering a museum, hiking a trail, swimming in the ocean, skiing down a mountain, or just sitting around a fire visiting with loved ones.
His adventurous spirit and the stories of his varied life experiences will continue to inspire his family and friends for generations to come.
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