Joseph Rayne

Joseph Rayne, age 87, died Monday, July 31, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jeannie Meyers Quick, his step-daughter, Amy Quick (Mark) Parrish, and his grandson, Robert Parrish. 

He was born in Crown Hill, England on March 3, 1930 to John and Jane (Ballentine) Rayne.

Joe loved airplanes. After spending his childhood watching for enemy bombers during WWII in England, he joined the Royal Air Force where he flew the Gloster Meteor.

He earned his degree in engineering and immigrated to Toronto, Canada and later moved to Clinton, Mich. where he became a proud U.S. citizen.

He worked at the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea for years and earned a patent for a front alignment tool.

At home, he made home-built airplanes. The first was a gold Mustang and the second was called “the Viggente.” Both were included in articles in Sport Aviation. Joe spent as much time as he could either in the air or in the hanger.

Joe was preceded in death by his first wife, Janet, his parents and his mother and father-in-law, Don and Betty Meyers, whom he loved.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Macon United Methodist Church with Rev. Ruth Irish officiating, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Macon United Methodist Church.  

Arrangements are being handled by Handler Funeral Homes, Clinton. 

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.