Lee Roy Rainer

Lee, Roy, Dad, Pops, Granddaddy-call him what you like, just don't call him Lee Roy.

Lee Roy Rainer completed his earthly adventure on March 9, 2026, taking his final breath peacefully at home in his own bed. In his final weeks, family and friends surrounded him with the love he deserved, sharing meals, playing cards, and enjoying precious time together.

Lee Roy Rainer was born on November 5, 1933, in Columbus, Georgia. He was either the third or fourth son (depending on who you believe came first, him or his twin brother) of William Lee Rainer and Lillie Etta Rainer (Hart). He maintained a long-distance relationship with his high school sweetheart, Shirley Tomblin, for two years while serving overseas in the U.S. Army. After his discharge in February 1958, he married Shirley on March 2 of the same year.

While remaining in the Army Reserves for four additional years, Roy and Shirley began filling their home in Columbus, Georgia, with the joyful chaos that comes with raising four boys under the age of six. In 1966, the family moved to Florida, living in Daytona, Orlando, and Sarasota as Roy built his career as an optical technician and later a supervisor with Bausch & Lomb, Opti-World, and LensCrafters. Roy welcomed his only daughter into the family when he was 44 years old, by which time the family had settled in Central Florida.

Roy believed that work was simply a way to pay for time that should be spent with family. Between trips to visit relatives in Pensacola and Georgia, he spent countless hours teaching his children-and later his grandchildren-how to bait a hook and sometimes even catch a fish. It didn't matter to him whether the fish lived in fresh water or salt water, as long as he was surrounded by people he loved. He also spent plenty of time at the softball fields as an umpire or spectator, though he most enjoyed playing the game himself-even after turning 80. When the weather didn't cooperate, he could often be found sending a bowling ball down the local lanes.

Roy showed the world what it meant to love someone wholeheartedly as he cared for Shirley for six years after she suffered a debilitating stroke. Together they celebrated 60 years of marriage before her passing.

In addition to Shirley, Roy was welcomed into heaven by his parents; his brothers, William Howard and Cecil Robert; and countless friends who blessed his life.

Left behind to cherish his memory and comfort one another are his twin brother, William Toy (wife Janelle); his children, Mark (wife Jane), Terry (wife Toni), Stan (wife Cheryl), Todd (wife Connie), and Leann (husband David); ten grandchildren-Jennifer, Danielle, Cori, Sean, William, Joey, Erin, Blake, Rachel, and Devon; and fourteen great-grandchildren-Dylan, Bradley, Matthew, Savannah, Bryson, Remington, Edith, Audrey, Zoey, Parker, Wesley, Rowan, Wyatt, and Bennett.

Lee, Roy, Dad, Pops, Granddaddy-by any name he was known-leaves behind a legacy and example of love, compassion, and devotion to family. He will be deeply missed until the day we see him again.

A celebration of Roy's life will be held on March 21st at Highland Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 AM, service to follow.