Joseph Paul Rainey

Joseph Paul Rainey passed away in a house fire on Wednesday morning January 28, 2026 one week prior to his 82nd birthday. He was born to Ernest and Corine Rainey, of Vanderpool, Texas, on February 3, 1944.

Celebration of life to be held Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Utopia Methodist Church at 11:00am.

He graduated from Utopia High School in 1963, where he was a life-long fan of Utopia and Medina basketball and volleyball teams. He carried his lifetime sports pass in his wallet until the end.

Right out of high school he began building houses with Sid Mauldin and eventually went out on his own. He built many custom homes throughout the area. He gave many young men their start to becoming quality carpenters. His most memorable projects include the school expansion in the late1980’s, remodeling of the public library, many unique homes, and the most memorable was raising the Methodist Church 6 feet in the air to build a permanent foundation.

In retirement he rekindled his love for playing his guitar at weekly area “jam sessions” where he met Barbara. He crafted many sets of custom dominoes, sharing his passion for 42. He loved his weekly domino games with friends in Medina and Utopia.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Ernest and Corine Rainey, a sister who died in infancy, brother, Robert Rainey, and second wife Barbara Rainey.

He is survived by his son, Shawn Rainey and wife Jamie, brother, David Rainey, grandsons, Ashton Rainey and Branton Rainey, along with many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Lydia and Gordon Lackey for their love and care of Paul the last two years, allowing him to stay in the home he built and loved so much.

Memorials may be given to the Utopia Methodist Church, Utopia EMS, Utopia Volunteer Fire Department, Vanderpool Volunteer Fire Department, Medina Volunteer Fire Department or Silver Sage Senior Services.