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NEW ORLEANS – Former Zulu King George V. Rainey has passed away. He was 89 years old.

Rainey reigned as Zulu King in 2019. The iconic carnival krewe renamed their annual Lundi Gras festival after Rainey in tribute to his long service to the organization.

Rainey joined the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club in 1972. He was a Board Member Emeritus.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a statement praising Rainey’s dedication to the community.

“Our hearts are heavy this morning with the news of the passing last night of 2019 Zulu King George Rainey,” Cantrell said. “Mr. Rainey, the oldest to serve as Zulu King, made a habit of stepping up and showing up for his community time and time again, from his years serving in the U.S. Army to his efforts to help feed Hurricane Katrina survivors back in 2005. He was a giant in Zulu, once serving as Big Shot, vice president and board member over the years, and helping to found the iconic Lundi Gras Festival back in the 1990s. We have lost too many of our people, especially those in our treasured Zulu organization. May he rest in God’s perfect peace.”