Obituary of Isaac Leondis Rains

Isaac “Ike” Leondis Rains, 88, of Knoxville, TN and Apollo Beach, FL went to be with our Lord on November 30th, 2023, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

Ike was born and raised in the Sequatchie Valley in Southeast Tennessee and graduated from Bledsoe County High School in Pikeville, TN.  He attended and graduated from Alabama Christian College in Montgomery, AL in 1957.  After college he refined his skills as a carpenter working with his father.  Being called to higher service, he volunteered to serve our great Nation in the U.S. Airforce where he served for over seven years in various overseas and stateside assignments within Civil Engineering.  His favorite posting being on the island of Guam.  After his military service he spent years as a truck driver traveling coast to coast and seeing the 48 contiguous states as well as seven Canadian provinces (Military travel took him to Hawaii and personal travel took him to Alaska thus fulfilling a goal of seeing all 50 states).  His main route was from Miami, FL to Seattle, WA which allowed him to see and visit many unique places making friends along the way. 

After Ike’s over the road driving time, he moved his family to Chattanooga, TN where he spent several years working for Kraft Foods and visiting family in the “valley.”  After retiring from Kraft Foods, he moved to Knoxville, TN.  In Knoxville he was an active member of VFW Post 1733 and made many a great friend there.  Not one to just sit around he spent over 20 years working in maintenance for a condo complex before finally “being fired” after 85 years.  He spent the remaining years of his life enjoying time with family and soaking up the Florida sunshine poolside.  He loved spending time with friends and family especially to watch Tennessee Vols Football or a NASCAR race.  Anyone who knew Ike knew he loved to spend time sharing stories or discussing the news of the day.  Always willing to help a friend or family member he will be forever remembered as one to step forward lending a helping hand.  Whether to help with carpentry work or to even organize an annual trip to the horse track to raise money for the VFW Post he never faltered.  His easy-going attitude and strong work ethic set him apart from many.   Ike was a great son, brother, husband, father, Papaw, and friend to many.  He is dearly missed but not forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Maude Rains; sisters, Willie Jo Rains and Katherine Smith; brothers, Amos, Robert L., Charles, Joe Rains, and wives Elizabeth “Libby” Rains & Violet “Dolly” Rains.

Ike loved his family and especially his grandchildren and children.  Left to cherish his memory are son, Patrick (Molly) Rizzi of Apollo Beach, FL, daughter, Stacy (Glenn) Roark of Dallas, GA, granddaughters Rachel Rizzi of Apollo Beach, FL, Carole Rizzi of Bradenton, FL, and Vanessa Roark of Dallas, GA, grandson, Vance Roark of Carrollton, GA, his brother James (June) Rains of Chattanooga, TN, special friend Jerry Crowder of Knoxville, TN and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of friends. 

In-lieu of flowers family request contributions be made to VFW Post 1733 4th Avenue Knoxville, TN 37917 in memory of Ike Rains. 

Interment will be at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at a date to be announced later.