Robert “Tub” Rainbolt

Published 8:40 am Thursday, August 18, 2016

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:13
“The Bible tells us that children are a gift from God and a man who has a full quiver is blessed. We are the blessed ones. God gave us a loving Dad. He worked tirelessly to give us what we needed and it took all he had. He loved our Mom with a love unexplainable. They were poor but happiness covered it all. Dad thought that children were his life, his and the community’s. He believed all kids should have candy and a bike. He loved sharing his stories with everyone. We have been truly blessed with a Dad who gave it all and loved with joy. Even as his eyesight went and his health failed, he was so glad that we were all together and with him. Our greatest joy is him with eyes wide open, seeing the beauty of Heaven. Thank you Daddy, for all the years of love, gentleness and joy!”
Robert “Tub” Rainbolt, 94, of Hampton, went home to be with his Lord and family on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, from Life Care Center of Elizabethton, following a brief illness. He was born in Butler, Tenn., to the late William Byrd Rainbolt and Annie McNeil Rainbolt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Christine Whitehead Rainbolt; two sons, Larry Rainbolt and Richard Rainbolt; a brother, Harold Rainbolt; and his sisters, Nina White, Violet Logsdon, Novella Rainbolt and Elsie Rainbolt.
Robert had worked as a truck driver for Carter Enterprises and General Shale for over 35 years. He was a United States Army/Air Force veteran, having served during World War II in Markham Valley (New Guinea), Okinawa, Japan and Camp Chaffee, Ark. He was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed loafing, telling stories and listening to Swap and Shop.
Those left to cherish his memories include two sons, Robert John Rainbolt and Lester Rainbolt and wife Lisa, both of Hampton; six daughters, Phyllis Campbell and husband Ronnie of Hampton, Thelma Simerly and husband Jeffery of Roan Mountain, Betsy Rainbolt and Nick Simerly of Hampton, Shirley Greer and husband James of Kingsport, Christy Hall and husband Nicholas of Kemmerer, Wyo., and Amanda Rainbolt and Joshua Woodby of Grapeview, Wash.; 22 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth Rainbolt of Elizabethton; and two sisters, Betty Logsdon of Chester, Va., and Inez Bussey of Baltimore, Md. Several nieces and nephews and countless friends and neighbors also survive.
A graveside service to honor and celebrate the life of Robert “Tub” Rainbolt will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, August 19, in the Butler Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Ronnie Campbell officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews, Sutton Brown, Bill Hughes, Johnny Lewis, J.L. Norris, Carl Montgomery, John Barre, Stanley Largent, Rob Whitehead, Greg Hartley and Herman Tolley. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 12:50 p.m. Friday. Friends may call at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton at any time on Thursday, August 18, until 4:30 p.m. or on Friday, August 19, until 11:30 a.m., or at the residence of any of his children at any time. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Life Care Center of Elizabethton for the loving care given to Mr. Rainbolt. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the Shriner’s Hospital, P.O. Box 5548, Kingsport, TN 37663 in honor of Mr. Rainbolt. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Rainbolt family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.