Pastor Clyde Rainey, a man of unwavering dedication to his family and the community, found his eternal rest on May 14, 2024, at the age of 93.
Born into a large family as one of 11 children, Pastor Rainey’s early life was a testament to his commitment to family values. Growing up on a farm in Florence, South Carolina, he helped care for his siblings and worked diligently, picking cotton and growing crops.

Pastor Rainey embarked on a new journey in his early twenties by joining the Army. Before leaving for boot camp, he asked his childhood friend, a beautiful soul, Edna if he could write letters to her on a regular basis. Edna said yes and Pastor Rainey’s unwavering love was expressed through his faithful letters which he wrote everyday during his military service. Upon his return, Pastor Rainey and Edna were united in marriage in front of a Boy Scout troop, marking the beginning of 58 years of marriage.

Pastor Rainey and Edna traveled the world during his military service, living in places like Germany and Alaska before eventually settling in Tacoma, Washington. Pastor Rainey served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and along the way, they welcomed six children into their family: Clyde W., Claretta, Edgar, Carl, and the twins Benjamin and Raymond. He retired from the military with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Retirement from the military didn’t slow Pastor Rainey down. He pursued higher education at Central Washington University, earning a degree in education. He then served his community as a special education teacher.

After retiring from teaching, continuing his lifelong commitment to service, Pastor Rainey became a pastor and a funeral director. As a member of the Tacoma Ministerial Alliance and the pastor of Mount Tabor Baptist Church, he participated in many church events. He touched countless lives through his preaching and ministry.

Pastor Rainey retired from pastoring at the age of 86. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends and taking countless fishing trips.

Pastor Rainey’s life was a testament to his dedication to serving others. Whether traveling to provide communion to a church member, preaching sermons, counseling to grieving families, giving advice, or being a father figure to many, his unconditional love and servanthood were evident in all he did.

His legacy lives on through his six children (Clyde W., Claretta, Edgar, Carl, and the twins Benjamin, and Raymond), two grandchildren (Christina and Edwin from the union of Edgar & Julia), and two great-grandchildren (Everly from the union of Edwin & Ashley and Elisha from the union of Christina & Mathieu). He is also remembered fondly by his surviving siblings Edna Windley, Priscilla Shelton, LaWanda Hall, and Patrica Rainey.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all medical staff, care providers, family, and community members for their support over the years. A special thank you goes to Violet Potts and David Gray for their consistent care and companionship for Pastor Rainey until the very end.

On Wednesday, May 22nd, at 10:00 AM a viewing will take place and at 11:00 AM a funeral will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1211 South I Street, Tacoma, WA.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…” Matthew 25:23 NKJV