Timothy Scott Rainey

Timothy Scott Rainey, age 66, passed away in his home on October 25, 2024. Tim was born in Aurora, Colorado to Thomas and Patricia Rainey, however, he was a self-described ‘military brat’ and lived all around the world including Florida, Iran, and the Philippines before the family settled in Albuquerque. 

Tim was a graduate of Sandia High School in 1976. He worked at ‘Alfies Fish and Chips’ in high school and became assistant manager upon graduation. Tim was then hired as a salesman for an electric supply company where he was working when he met the love of his life, Jovonna Ratliff. Tim quickly shared his desire to become a police officer and began the academy in 1979 following his marriage to Jovonna in September 1978. 

Tim served as a police officer with the Albuquerque Police Department from 1980 through 2022. He began his career in the field services division and quickly moved to the DWI/Traffic squad in 1981 where he served until 1986 and was awarded the rank of sergeant. Tim served as the sergeant of the burglary, traffic, and air support units. Tim loved his time as a police officer and truly lived to “serve and protect”. His career was highlighted by numerous accolades including Officer of the Month awards, APD Team of the Month, Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Personal Action, and numerous other achievements, and commendations from citizens and fellow officers regarding his fairness and ability to connect with the community. He was an expert in accident reconstruction and testified in multiple cases and was a published author 2 times for the diagrams he created. During his time in the motor unit, he created the traffic plan for Balloon Fiesta parking that is still in use to this day. Tim became certified in “advanced driving, police driving/vehicle operations, and general police” as a master instructor and trained foreign delegations in conjunction with the US Department of State, Diplomatic Security Services, Antiterrorism Assistance Program. Tim was proud of his pilot status and served as the department’s fixed winged Air5 pilot from 2007 until his retirement. He always said he felt safer flying in the sky than driving on land and was proud of his years of service as the “eyes in the sky.” 

Tim was a proud father and grandfather. He loved taking his grandsons fishing and spending precious time with his granddaughters including attending dance recitals, valentines dances and snuggling eating ‘lucky charms’. Tim had a special knack for finding humor even in the toughest situations. His siblings describe him as the ‘the peacemaker’. He was dependable, loyal, gentle, hilarious and loving. In his retirement, Tim enjoyed traveling the country, visiting family and friends, spending time with his grandchildren, riding his motorcycle, watching the Broncos and drinking coffee with his best friend G.O. He was always happy to be involved with the Fraternal Order of Police and you could find him there most Friday evenings enjoying a green chile cheeseburger. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom & Patricia Rainey, and his wife of 43 years, Jovonna Rainey. Tim is survived by his brother Terry Rainey and twin sister Tammy Housworth and their families; his children Ben & Natalie Rainey, Jessica & Ryan Bozzell; grandchildren Emmea, Oliver, John, and Jovonna James; and numerous nieces, nephews, and family members. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fraternal Order of Police Albuquerque Lodge No. 1 at 4120 Cutler NE Albuquerque, NM 87120 in Tim’s honor.