The Fraternity mourns the passing of Brother Earl Rainwater, Tennessee ’60, who spent his entire life serving SigEp.

While a student at the University of Tennessee, Rainwater joined SigEp’s Tennessee Alpha chapter and served as historian and chapter president. It was an especially meaningful experience because his twin brother, Burl, was also in the chapter.

After earning his bachelor’s and law degrees, Rainwater joined the U.S. Air Force and served as a judge advocate officer at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas for four years. Once his service was complete, he returned to Tennessee and stepped into the role of chapter counselor. His guidance ushered in a period of stability following a challenging time for Tennessee Alpha. After the chapter’s home burned down, Rainwater played an instrumental role in helping the AVC raise funds to build a new facility and decades later, led another campaign to renovate the home.

He also served as AVC president and a district governor prior to becoming AVC treasurer, a role he held for more than 50 years. His talent for financial management greatly contributed to the stability and growth of the chapter. In 1978, he helped establish Tennessee Alpha’s scholarship fund, which has awarded more than $1 million to undergraduate brothers. The same year, he was one of the inaugural recipients of what is now the Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 2017, his thoughtful financial stewardship was recognized again when he received the Exemplary Service Award.

In addition to his service, Rainwater created special memories with chapter brothers by organizing numerous trips over the years with brothers and their spouses.

Rainwater’s many contributions to SigEp were recognized with our Fraternity’s highest volunteer honor, the Order of the Golden Heart in 2023. Due to illness, the recognition, which was slated to be awarded at the 2023 Conclave in San Antonio, was presented to Rainwater at his home prior to the event.

Some of the brothers who knew Rainwater best shared the impact he made on them and SigEp:

“The seeds of brotherhood that Earl planted have and will continue to bless brothers for years to come.” — Lee Cross, Tennessee ’95

“My brother Joe and I wanted to be like Earl and Burl. They were our guiding star as we transitioned from the backwoods of West Tennessee to SigEp membership in the 1950s.” — Jim Clayton, Tennessee ’56

“Earl made a difference in the lives of hundreds of brothers over his seven decades of service to the Fraternity. He truly exemplifies the lifetime responsibility of brotherhood and has had a tremendous impact, not only on his home chapter at the University of Tennessee, but nationally as well.” — Kelly Williams, Tennessee ’92

“Earl’s decades of service to Tennessee Alpha and SigEp will not be forgotten. His leadership and attendance at chapter and alumni events will be deeply missed. What a great example he’s been in balancing family, career and Fraternity service.” — Mark Sparkman, Tennessee ’92