JAMES KENNETH RAINEY

James Kenneth Rainey, 82, of Calera, Alabama, went to the Father on May 19, 2026. Kenneth was born in Jefferson County, Alabama, where he spent his younger years, moving to Shelby County after his parents relocated to “Mootoo”, a family homeplace. He lived his remaining years in his part of the homeplace. Kenneth was a machinist by trade, retiring from US Steel after moving to Shelby County. Kenneth had a gift to master any task before him. He understood carpentry, mechanics, and reloaded gun shells, but could figure out anything. He loved farming, and throughout his life provided meat and vegetables for his family and extended family. He was an experienced hunter, and loved sharing that experience with his family and friends, and his family’s larder! Sharing freely with anyone who expressed interest. Kenneth’s passion was music! He had a gift. From young adulthood, he learned to play the guitar and later other instruments. His social life was based around music. He and Judy spent many nights with friends and family playing and singing country, Gospel, mixed genres and the kids joined in especially when they played “Puff the Magic Dragon” and other favorites. God blessed him with a second wife of almost seven years, Edna Harper Rainey. They shared a loving partnership, and she took great care of him throughout his battle with Cancer. They also shared a love of music, and she fit right in with the family. The family is especially grateful to Frankie Rainey for being there for his father and helping Edna with the care of concern of a loving son. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Jesse J. and Lola Mae Rainey; brothers Larry A Rainey and Johnny R Rainey; wife and Mother of his children Judith B Rainey; and grandchild Michael Christian Rainey. He is survived by his wife Edna Harper Rainey; children Karen Avery (Buster), Frankie Rainey (Tina), Nina Kline (Lance), Teresa Avery, and Brian Harper. He adopted and raised his grandchild, Melissa Shyanne Rainey; he was blessed with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren; his siblings Amy R Pennington (Mike) and Jesse M. Rainey (Donna); and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great-nieces, and a few great great greats. The visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, Friday, May 22, 2026, at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Valley Creek Cemetery.