Leova Robert Rainey

Leova Robert Rainey, an active member of the Oakland NAACP and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, died on July 29.
Born on Jan. 26, 1915 in Omaha, TX, Rainey was the son of Isaac and Dora Rainey. After his mother died in 1918, he was raised by his grandmother in Clarksville, TX.
He completed Cheatham Clarksville High School in 1933 and went to work at one of the Civilian Conservation Corps camps to finance his college education. He earned his BA degree from Texas College.
Rainey married Mildred Hackett in 1941 in Kilgore, TX. The couple soon moved to California,  joining Beth Eden Baptist Church in Oakland under the pastorate of the late Dr. J. P. Hubbard.
Rainey was drafted in the U.S. Navy in 1943, where he served three years.
He worked 32 years for the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company and volunteered tirelessly for the NAACP, receiving his Life Member Award in Feb. 1981.
He was the past president of the Oakland NAACP branch and credit Union.  Many called him Mr. NAACP.
He was also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and a member of Monarch Lodge #73.
Rainey is survived by his wife Mildred, who was his companion for 71 years; grandson Brian Dickerson of Dallas, TX; and nieces Janice Lindsey and Brenda Johnson Beedles, both of Texas.
A memorial was held Aug. 14 at the Beth Eden Baptist Church in Oakland.