Charles Benjamin (Ben/Benny) Rainey was born on May 2, 1935, in Albany, MO where he resided most of his life. Ben was the oldest son of C.F. and Versa (Butler) Rainey. He passed away peacefully at his home in Albany on October 1, 2022.

Ben is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara (Wharton) Rainey, and three sons, Rick Rainey, address unknown; Matt Rainey (Debbi) of Elmo, MO; and Trent Rainey (Kirsten) of Centennial, Colorado. Other survivors include six grandchildren, Jeremy McGinley (Rose), St. Joseph, MO; Jacob McGinley, career military presently serving in Europe; Jessica McCoy (Matt), Browning, MO; Monica Rainey (Tyler), Saltville, VA; Lauren Rainey, Los Angeles, CA; Claire Rainey, Playa Del Rey, CA; and Samantha Weese (David), Silver Bay, MN; and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are five sisters: Carolyn Premer, George Ann Seymour (Larry), Peggy Beach, Ramona Caswell (Kevin), Glynis Nelson (Donovan) and two brothers Ted Rainey (Carlene) and C.F. Rainey (Nicole); sister-in-law, Betty Rainey; several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and children Randy Rainey, Renee McGinley grandson, Jared Rainey, brother, Donald Rainey and brother-in-law, Jim Premer.

Ben attended Albany R-III School graduating in 1953 and has remained close and kept in touch with many of his classmates through the years.

Ben enjoyed many hours fishing on Grand River and the Lake of the Ozarks with his brothers and brother-in-law, Jim Premer. Because of their dedication and determination, these guys provided the fish for an annual fish fry at Hopewell Baptist Church and many family gatherings. After retirement and as age slowed his activity from going up and down the river and lake banks, Ben spent hours on the croquet court and enjoyed playing cards and other board games.

Ben held many jobs throughout his life, and he often said, "I've had a multitude of jobs and there's not a job I didn't love – it's the work I hated." He ran a newspaper route, shined shoes, and began his adult employment history at a young age by sorting bottles at the Albany Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, where his father was part owner. He moved up from bottle sorter to route manager before his retirement from Pepsi in 1992. He served Gentry County as Sheriff for one term between 1969-1972, served as pastor at Hopewell Baptist Church near Weatherby, MO for about 20 years, and was employed by three area funeral homes in later years. Ben was a "people person" who thoroughly enjoyed visiting with and making friends all over northwest Missouri and southern Iowa. There were few places that the family traveled throughout the United States that Ben didn't run into someone he knew.

Celebration of Life: 11:00 AM Saturday, October 8 at the Albany First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 PM Friday evening at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Albany First Baptist Church in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online Condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com