Johnnie Ray Rainwater

Johnnie Ray Rainwater, 87, of Vidor, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Silsbee Oaks Health Care, surrounded by the people who loved him most.

Born in Beaumont and a proud lifelong resident of Vidor, Johnnie spent his life building not just a home but a legacy rooted in family, hard work, and laughter. A 1956 graduate of Vidor High School, he was sharp as a tack—graduating third in his class—and went on to dedicate 38 years to the Maintenance Department at Bridgestone/Firestone. He was the man everyone could count on to fix what was broken, whether it was a machine at work or a lawn mower at home.

Johnnie loved being outdoors, whether he was hunting, fishing, or just “piddling” in his shed. He had a quiet strength, a soft laugh, and a heart that could fill a room without ever needing to raise his voice.He was also a man of simple pleasures — a hot cup of coffee, a good country song, and unlimited reruns of Gunsmoke paired with a Louis L’Amour book was all he needed.Above all else, Johnnie was a family man.

His love for his family was unmatched, and so was his devotion to his sweetheart, Dorothy, his wife of 68 years. Together, they shared a love story for the ages—nearly 70 years of partnership, laughter, and teamwork. If Dolly Parton ever sang about true love, we’re convinced she had Johnnie and Dorothy in mind. (And yes, he did love Dolly, too.) Together they raised three wonderful children — Gary Lynn Rainwater and wife Shirley of Vidor, David Lee Rainwater and wife Sherri of Cheek, and D’Anna Kay Hebert and husband Randy of Evadale — and built a legacy of love that continues through their five grandchildren -Melissa Shue and husband Anthony, Chasity Ice and husband Matt, Michelle Powell and husband Josh, Ginny Hebert, and Taylor Rainwater and wife Karysa; 13 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

To his family, he wasn’t just a husband, dad, or grandfather — he was PawPaw. The one who could fix anything, tease you just enough to make you laugh, and remind you that everything was going to be okay.Johnnie will be remembered for his kindness, his patience, his stubborn streak when it mattered, and his deep love for the people who made his world go ’round. His presence filled our lives with warmth and laughter, and while we’ll miss him terribly, we find comfort knowing he’s finally pain-free and maybe even catching a Dolly concert up in Heaven.