Earl Franklin Rainwater

RAINWATER, Earl Franklin - age 79, of Swartz Creek, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at Avalon Hospice surrounded by family and loved ones. Funeral services will be held 4 PM Friday, September 15, 2006 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek with Rev. Lawrence Gill officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation will be held 12-4 PM Friday at the funeral home. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Pajtas Theater or Avalon Hospice. Earl was born on September 3, 1927 in Missouri. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from General Motors in 1977 after 30 years of service. Earl was a 'pillar of his community' and volunteered his services at the Pajtas Amphitheater in Swartz Creek. Earl valued his family and friends and will be remembered for his love, generosity and kindness toward all. Surviving are: wife, Nellie Rainwater of Swartz Creek; seven children, Shelia (Don) Eycleshymer of Montrose, Richard (Julie) Rainwater of Swartz Creek, Kathryn (Sam) Marckese of TN, Anita (Jim) Thomas of TN, Ted (Sno) Rainwater of Grand Blanc, Kim (Charlie) O'Bryan of TX, Arthur Dustman of TX; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild. His loving memory also lives on in the hearts of his brothers, Dewey (Gloria), Tiny (Betty), Delbert (Ernie); sister, Wanda Maroun, Patti (Fred) Salim; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: his parents, Frank and Carrie Rainwater; sister, Violet Henchen. Friends may share an online condolence or post a tribute at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.