Mr. Fabian Rainey

My journey through life began on October 21, 1970, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I was born to the beautiful Annie Bennett and James Rainey. They named me Fabian Rainey, but most people came to know me simply as “Big Fay”—and that’s where my story began. Grand Rapids was home for many years. I attended Grand Rapids Public Schools and remained there into adulthood before life took me on an unexpected journey. Although that chapter was challenging, it became a season of growth, reflection, and transformation that helped shape me into the man I was destined to become. That chapter didn’t define me—it prepared me. It taught me perseverance, strengthened my faith, and gave me a greater appreciation for family, hard work, and second chances. When it ended, I was determined to build a better future for those I loved. With renewed determination, I entered the workforce with pleasure of working alongside my brother David, my mother-in-law Jessie, and sister-in-law Jamie. Life eventually led me from Grand Rapids to Saginaw, then to Detroit, before making my way back to Saginaw and later to Dallas, Texas. You could say my wife had me moving from city to city—and even state to state—I guess she wanted to make sure I saw a little bit of everything! Looking back, though, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Every move brought new experiences, lifelong memories, and valuable lessons that made me who I became. While living in Saginaw, I married the love of my life, Emily, and together we became members of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor J. Robert Harris. It was there that my faith deepened, and our family grew stronger. Our journey later led us to Dallas, Texas, where we continued building a life filled with love, laughter, and memories we will always cherish. God blessed me with a beautiful family. To carry on my legacy, I leave behind my best friend and devoted wife of 14 years, Emily Pearl Rainey—my “Big 50.” Also left to cherish my memory are my daughters, Ray’viona Parham and Fay’dreiona Rainey; sons, Ernest Watkins and Phavion Rainey; bonus daughters, Mi’Amor Mallett and Vyquetta Harris; and six beloved grandchildren: E’quarius Watkins, Tyreion Douglass, Princeton Pruitt, Zakiyah, Zaki, and Emoni Parham. I was blessed to share this journey with my five brothers, Elijah Scott, Marvin, James, Darren, and David (Lisa) Rainey; and my four sisters, Gladys Perry, Cheryl (Bobby) McCutchen, Teresa (Chris) Welch and Constance Rainey. I also leave behind my second mother, Jessie Mae Parham; my sisters-in-law, Jacqueline and Jamie Parham; brothers-in-law, Sterling (Ronda) Nelson and Sterling (Evana) Nelson, Jr.; Godchildren, Breanna Williams, Jamilya Harris, Mikayla Pratt, and Jeremiah Parham; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. A very special place in my heart will always belong to my nephew, Tarkeus Gee, Jr., and my extended Parham family, who welcomed me, loved me, and made me one of their own. If you ever spent any time around me, you already know I loved to laugh, joke, and keep everyone smiling. I believed life was meant to be enjoyed, and I never passed up an opportunity to have a good time with the people I loved. And if you really knew me, then you knew I could talk! I didn’t just have conversations—I gave speeches. I could talk your ear off and still have plenty more to say, but every word came from a place of love, laughter, and genuine connection. Whether you wanted to listen or not, I probably had one more story to tell! I found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Whether I was spending time with my faithful dog, Mojo, standing by the water with a fishing pole in my hand, working in the yard, or spending quality time with my family, those were the moments that filled my heart with joy. I always looked forward to making my way back to Saginaw and Grand Rapids—especially for the barbecue gatherings at Chubby’s. Those weren’t just cookouts—they were family reunions filled with cards, great food, a little gambling, plenty of laughter, and memories that will last forever. And if you knew me and my sister Connie, then you already know we were something else together—we always had everyone laughing. Helping others was simply part of who I was. If someone needed a hand, I was always willing to lend one. I believed kindness didn’t cost a thing, and I tried my best to leave people a little better than I found them—even if I kept you talking a little longer than you planned. No matter where I went, I never met a stranger—only friends I hadn’t gotten to know yet. My journey on this earth concluded on July 9, 2026, at the age of 55 years. While saying goodbye is never easy, I hope you’ll remember me not for the day I left, but for the love I gave, the laughter we shared, and the memories we created together. As I transition into the afterlife, waiting to welcome me with open arms are my beloved mother, Annie Bennett; father, James Rainey; father-in-law, Sturlin Nelson; brother-n-law, Maurice Perry; sisters-in-law, Verlisia “Lisky” Rainey and Sherylyn Nelson; nephews, Marcus Kirkwood and Shaveon Ervin; great-nephew, Tarkeus Gee III; and so many other loved ones who have gone on before me. To those I leave behind, don’t let your hearts be heavy, because my work here is done. Carry my love with you, treasure the memories we shared, and continue living your lives with faith, laughter, kindness, and love. Please don’t say goodbye. Just say, “Until we meet again.”With all my love, Fabian “Big Fay” Rainey Keep smiling for me… I’ll be smiling right back. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607. Pastor Travis Buckley will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Mr. Fabian Rainey

October 21, 1970 - July 9, 2026