Leo L. Rainey Jr., 88: World War II Vet Spent Most of His Life in Buckhead

Leo L. Rainey Jr., a long-time Atlanta resident, Gwinnett County banker and World War II veteran, died on Jan. 8, 2014, surrounded by family members.

Mr. Rainey was born on Aug. 1, 1925, in Lithonia, Ga., but spent most of his adult life in Buckhead, Atlanta.

He was pre-deceased by his wife, Josephine Winter Rainey, and parents, Exie and Leo L. Rainey, Sr. He is survived by his wife Irene McDaniel Carpenter, daughters Laura Rainey Chambers (Dane), Patricia Rainey Price, grandchildren Benjamin Rainey Chambers, Kelly Chambers Hooper (Scott), James Leo Ledford, and great-grandson Jackson Dane Hooper. Other survivors include Jim and Jean McDaniel, Joyce McDaniel Mills, Bill and Vera McDaniel, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Rainey was a graduate of Emory University, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, XI chapter. He was also a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University, Consumer Credit Management Program, Graduate School of Business, Columbia University, and the Executive Program, Graduate School of Business, Columbia University.

He served in the U.S. Third Army under Gen. George S. Patton in World War II where he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor. He later served in the U.S. Army Reserve achieving the rank of Captain.

His banking career included The Citizens and Southern National Bank (1948-1974), CEO of First National Bank of Gwinnett County (1974-1987), and Gwinnett Federal Bank (1987-1992).

He worked with many organizations in the community, including the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, serving two terms as Chairman and named Citizen of the Year in 1988, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Brenau College, Chairman of the Board of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, President of Atlanta Chapter, American Institute of Banking, Director of Charge Account Bankers Association, and in various capacities with Georgia Bankers Assoc., Gwinnett Rotary Club, Atlanta Civitan Club, Peachtree World of Tennis, Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, and Peachtree Road United Methodist Church (PRUMC). While a member of the Methodist church, he was Chairman of the Stewardship Committee and the Pastor Parish Committee, member of the Board of Stewards, the Finance Committee, the Evangelism Group, various Bible study groups and Volunteer Days.

The memorial service for Mr. Rainey  wasa held Sunday, Jan. 12 in the Chapel of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Rainey requested that donations be made to the Children's Ministry of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.