Remembering Dr. Wilburn Rainey
Wilburn (Wilbur) Rainey grew-up in the Romance community where folks still talk about Wilbur’s dedication to his parents; Frank and Mary Rainey. While the other boys played, Wilbur attended to his blind father. Wherever Mr. Frank wandered, Wilbur strolled along holding his father’s hand and guiding his footsteps. I suppose only God knows how many times Wilbur led his father home, in the dark, from an evening church service as Mrs. Mary walked before them holding a lantern to light the way. Such was Wilbur’s life during his formative years and he wouldn’t have had it any other way. For, not only did he love his parents, it was in one of those church services that he surrendered his will to the Lord’s will …show more content…
He was only thirteen when he won a contest based on the student’s knowledge concerning United States History; however, without a formal education, he succumbed to becoming a farmer; nonetheless, after a few years, he loaded up his family and moved to Searcy where he enrolled at Harding College [University], eventually earning his Ph.D. and immediately accepted a teaching position at his Alma-mater.
Wilbur never exalted himself above others; yet, he was a great man who accomplished so much and affected countless lives. To know him was to love and admire him. Dr, Joe Spaulding who was also a professor at Harding [College] University and a highly regarded man of God, esteemed Dr, Wilburn Rainey for his dedication to the cause of Christ and the friendship they enjoyed as did all who knew him.
His career included preaching more than seventy years on both sides of the Mississippi River and serving as President of Florida Christian College. He was a well-known and sought after speaker for Gospel Meetings and funerals. Perhaps, I should also mention that he owned a florist.
Upon reaching his “Golden Years” Wilbur saw them as an opportunity rather than retirement. He continued to preach and was instrumental in organizing churches in Arkansas communities in which there were no local
Wilburn (Wilbur) Rainey grew-up in the Romance community where folks still talk about Wilbur’s dedication to his parents; Frank and Mary Rainey. While the other boys played, Wilbur attended to his blind father. Wherever Mr. Frank wandered, Wilbur strolled along holding his father’s hand and guiding his footsteps. I suppose only God knows how many times Wilbur led his father home, in the dark, from an evening church service as Mrs. Mary walked before them holding a lantern to light the way. Such was Wilbur’s life during his formative years and he wouldn’t have had it any other way. For, not only did he love his parents, it was in one of those church services that he surrendered his will to the Lord’s will …show more content…
He was only thirteen when he won a contest based on the student’s knowledge concerning United States History; however, without a formal education, he succumbed to becoming a farmer; nonetheless, after a few years, he loaded up his family and moved to Searcy where he enrolled at Harding College [University], eventually earning his Ph.D. and immediately accepted a teaching position at his Alma-mater.
Wilbur never exalted himself above others; yet, he was a great man who accomplished so much and affected countless lives. To know him was to love and admire him. Dr, Joe Spaulding who was also a professor at Harding [College] University and a highly regarded man of God, esteemed Dr, Wilburn Rainey for his dedication to the cause of Christ and the friendship they enjoyed as did all who knew him.
His career included preaching more than seventy years on both sides of the Mississippi River and serving as President of Florida Christian College. He was a well-known and sought after speaker for Gospel Meetings and funerals. Perhaps, I should also mention that he owned a florist.
Upon reaching his “Golden Years” Wilbur saw them as an opportunity rather than retirement. He continued to preach and was instrumental in organizing churches in Arkansas communities in which there were no local