Jackie Troy Rainwater, 86, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026. Born in Lynn on November 15, 1939, to the late Troy and Elsie (Howard) Rainwater, Jackie lived a full and meaningful life devoted to his faith, his family, and the simple joys that brought him happiness.
On June 11 1960, Jack married the love of his life, Betty (Morris). Together, they built a strong and loving marriage that spanned over six decades. Their life together was blessed with three daughters: Belinda (Randy) of Lynn, Laura Ann (Phillip) of Mt. Pleasant, and Mandy of Jesup. Jack was also blessed with multiple grandchildren: Cassie Hunter (Rick), Trisha Hoskins (Matt), Clint Durham (Stacy), Walker Durham (Ava), Landon Edwards, Morgan Edwards (Madison), and Hayden Edwards. These grandchildren gave him the gift of endless happiness in the form of four great-grandsons: Nash Hunter, Barrett Hunter, Carson Durham, and Waylon Durham; Jack is also survived by his brothers, Howard Rainwater of St. Louis, and Larry Rainwater (Joy) of Lynn; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Terry Rainwater, and sisters, Kathleen Jacobsen and Wanda Sue Young, and nephew, Shannon Rainwater.
In his younger years, Jack had a love for adventure and the western way of life. He spent time participating in rodeos, an experience that reflected his bold spirit and love of the outdoors. Which he then passed down to his great-grandsons by playing rodeo with them every Sunday night in the living room. That love of horses stayed with him throughout his life, and he especially enjoyed making the trip each year to Shelbyville to see the beautiful Tennessee Walking Horses on display, a tradition he always looked forward to.
Jack proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. He carried that same sense of dedication and responsibility throughout his life.
He was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he worshiped and found fellowship throughout the years. Jack was often found sharing the gospel with those he came in contact with. His faith was an important part of who he was and guided him in the way he lived his life.
Jack retired from the Arkansas Highway Department in 2002 after many years of dedicated service, where he made many lifelong friends. He was a hardworking man who believed in providing for his family and took pride in a job well done.
Jackie was also an avid cattle farmer who deeply loved working his land and caring for his herd. Farming was more than a livelihood — it was a way of life that reflected his patience or lack of, dedication, and strong work ethic. In addition, he was a huge gardener who took great pride in growing his own vegetables. Whether tending his cattle or working in his garden, Jackie found peace and purpose in the soil.
In his spare time, Jack loved the outdoors and the simple pleasures of country life. He especially treasured the time he spent playing with his great-grandsons, who could always bring a smile to his face. He enjoyed running nets for fish, riding his golf cart, and sitting on a feed sack at Farm Service, visiting with friends. When it came to frying fish, everyone knew Jack made the best fish around — crispy, golden, and always served with a generous helping of love. Above all, Jack never met a stranger. He had a way of striking up a conversation with anyone he crossed paths with, leaving them feeling like an old friend.
Jack will be remembered for his steady presence, his love for his family, his service to his country, and his appreciation for life’s simple blessings. His legacy lives on through his devoted wife, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew and loved him.
He will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.
Visitation will be on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Lynn. Funeral services will be Monday, February 16, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Jerry Chandler and Bro. Kolt Mackrill officiating. Interment will follow in the Dry Creek Cemetery in Lynn under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.
Pallbearers will be the grandsons: Rick Hunter, Matt Hoskins, Clint Durham, Landon Edwards, Walker Durham, Morgan Edwards, and Hayden Edwards.
Honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandsons: Nash, Carson, Barrett, Waylon and all those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church Romanian Medical Mission Trip.