Obituary of Danny "Tuffy" Rainwater

Originally appeared in the Jonesboro Sun on August 5, 2018

by Chase Gage

Arthur Danny “Tuffy” Rainwater, a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather to many, died Friday morning, Aug. 3, at his home in Jonesboro, AR. He was 75 years old.

Born to Arthur and Lillian Rainwater on Sept. 2, 1942 in Morrilton, AR, Tuffy grew up on a farm in Brookland, AR. When he was a baby, he fell out of his crib and didn’t cry. His father called him “his little Tuffy”, and the nickname stuck for a lifetime. A few people may know Arthur or Danny Rainwater, but everyone knew Tuffy.

Tuffy was stationed in Fort Hood, TX while serving as a Sgt. in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963.

Upon completion of his tenure with the Army, he married his wife of nearly 54 years, Sharon Robinson, on September 26, 1964 in Brookland at the residence Rev. Adams.

After a life of farming and manual labor, Tuffy opened his own business, Danny Rainwater Construction Co., in 1974. The name was changed to Rainwater Construction Co. in 1995 when his son, Tim, became a partner.

The only thing Tuffy loved more than deer hunting was being a grandfather. He took weekly trips to his cabin in Sharp County, but weekends were extra special when it was full of family.

He found Christ late in life and became a member of First Baptist Church in Bay, which he attended up until his passing. All the kids knew him as the old man that gave them candy every Sunday.

Tuffy was a fighter his whole life. He beat cancer three times over six years. The only fight he ever lost was his last. Even to his last day, he never gave up. He earned his nickname, as anyone who knew him would testify that he is the toughest person they have ever met.

Preceded in death by his parents, sister Jean Nall, and brother Mike Rainwater, Tuffy is survived by his wife, Sharon Robinson Rainwater; daughter Stacey Howard (husband Kenny); son Tim Rainwater (wife Holly); grandchildren Chase and Cassidy Gage, Drake, Riley and Grayson Rainwater, and Taylor Osment; brother David Rainwater (wife Dianne); brother Steve Rainwater (wife Larinda); and brother Mark Rainwater (wife Lora).

Funeral service will be Monday, August 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Brother Danny Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Log Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in Emerson Memorial Chapel.