Robert Weaver Rainey

Robert Weaver Rainey

Robert Weaver Rainey (Bob), 97, died on January 12, 2019.  He was born the son of Dr. William T. Rainey and Merle Weaver Rainey in Fayetteville, NC.  He attended Oak Ridge Military Academy and graduated from NC State in 1943 with a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering degree with honors.  A WWII veteran, he served in the Army Air Corps for over 3 years leaving the service with the rank of Captain.  He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering degree.  He then joined the staff of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (later NASA) at Langley Research Center as an Aeronautical Research Scientist in supersonic aerodynamics.  He married Patricia Stephens of Pampa, TX in 1948 whom he met during his assignment as Flight Maintenance Engineer at Pampa Army Air Field, TX.  When NACA became NASA, his emphasis had extended to re-entry vehicles from earth orbit.  He had a lead role in researching the lifting-body concept with emphasis upon the HL-10 and in the aerodynamic research in support of the space-shuttle program.  He served as the liaison between NASA at Langley Field in Hampton, VA and the Houston Space Center when it was formed in 1961 to develop the space shuttle program until his retirement from NASA in the late 70s.  He was a founding member, Church School Superintendent, and Administrative Board Chairman of the First United Methodist Church in Newport News, VA until 2008 when he and his wife, Peggy moved to Montrose, CO to live at Sunrise Creek Assisted Living.  He was also a current member of the United Methodist Church in Montrose, CO.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Peggy who died in 2015.  They had been married 66 years.  His survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Bill Sayer of Montrose, CO, a granddaughter, Shellby Sayer of Denver, CO, his brother, William T. Rainey of Clemson, SC, and his sister, Merle Prewitt of Fayetteville, NC and their families.

Arrangements are being handled by Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose.

Memorial contributions can be made to any favorite charity or to HopeWest Hospice, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO  81402.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Brookdale Sunrise Creek in the upstairs activity room on Thursday, January 24^th at 1:30 p.m. with a reception following the service in the Coca Cola room.