Hopewell – William Aaron Rayner, Sr., 90, lost his battle with Dementia on August 6, 2019.  Papa was born Aug 4, 1929 in Hopewell, Virginia to the late Rufus Aaron and Julia Koren Rayner.   Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, A Navy Vet, serving during the Korean Conflict, he had a great admiration for our military and fellow Veterans. He was often found wearing one of his Veteran ball caps.  Papa was an electrician by trade in the early years at Allied Chemical, later sold insurance with Life of Virginia, and then he owned and ran his own company Rayco, supplying homebound clients with oxygen machines, tanks and supplies. He was a "jack of all trades" and could fix anything mechanical.

Papa was predeceased by his lifelong sweetheart, Mary Alice Campbell Rayner,

a son, Robert Dale "Bobby" Rayner, and two brothers, Gerald David Rayner, and Gary Wayne Rayner.

He was known affectionately as "Papa" to so many, always kind, always smiling.  He lovingly cared for his wife during a long illness until her passing in 2001, and they are finally together again.  Papa loved his family, loved fishing, gardening in his back yard (raising lots of good tomatoes and cucumbers) and his dogs, King, Taj and Moose who were a great comfort to him over the years.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Mary Julia "Judy" Reidmiller (Lee), William A Rayner, Jr. (Susan), Carol Anne Rayner Harris (Ricky), special grand daughter Jane Marie Moody (Adam) whom he raised, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Papa was loved and he knew it.  Having frequent visits meant more to him than anything else we could give him, and he had lots of visitors. He will be missed by many and remembered for his big smile and his wonderful sense of humor.  With great thanks to the loving care he received from many, especially in the last years at Sunflower Gardens. Dakota, Ta Kia, Michelle, De Amber, Marcus, and so many more whose names escape us….  We thank you all!  You made a difference in Papa's life!

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM Wednesday August 14, 2019 in Nazareth Lutheran Church at 20 ^th and Grant Streets in Hopewell.  In lieu of Flowers, please make a donation to or visit someone in need. www.wrightfuneralhome.org