Coroner

What is the County Coroner?

The County Coroner is an elected post currently held by Earle Rainwater. Coroner Rainwater, a local funeral home director, has been Chattooga County Coroner for over twenty years. Rainwater's job includes determining time, cause, and manner of death. His office also works with families, funeral homes, law enforcement, and the courts to ensure dignity and justice for the deceased. Under Georgia law, Coroner Rainwater also holds some powers similar to the Sheriff, specifically in absence of Sheriff Everett from the scene. Please feel free to contact Coroner Rainwater at 706-857-3423 with any questions.

Meet Your County Coroner

Earle Rainwater has been serving Chattooga County since 1964. A native of Loudon, Tennessee, he began service with J.D. Hill Funeral home in May of that year. He is a graduate of the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science as both a Funeral Director and an Embalmer. He has also served as the Chattooga County Coroner for the past 36 years. In 2003 Earle established Earle Rainwater Funeral Home at the very place where his career began. He honored his mentor and friend by naming the chapel the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel. Additionally he serves as President of the Summerville Cemetery Corporation, member of the Summerville - Trion Optimist Club, Board of Directors of the Independent Funeral Directors of Georgia, Member of the Georgia Funeral Director's Association, National Funeral Directors' Association, Georgia Coroner's Association and the Trion Lodge Number 160 F&AM. He and his wife Phyllis are members of the Summerville First Baptist Church. They have three children and four grand-children.

(Information taken from Mr. Rainwater's funeral home website)