William Russell Rainey "Rusty," or "Russ") died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones after a lengthy illness on Wednesday, September 21, 2022.
Born and raised in Virginia Beac, Virginia, he was an Eagle Scout, and avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed spending time with his family, sailing, the beach, swimming, riding his motorcycle, and racing. His passion was freeing the oppressed. He received his B.S degree in health science from Campbell University. He spent a significant part of his adult life in the United States Army as a Green Beret, 7th Special Forces Group (A)18D combat medic. Upon retiring from the U.S. Army, he continued his work as a Green Beret, training ANA national soldiers in Afghanistan until he became too ill. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his work in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He also received three army commendation medals, five army achievement medals, six army good conduct medals, two national defense service medals, and the Global War on Terrorism medal. He turned down a Silver Star when he attempted to save his teammate. In his words, "There shouldn't be a medal awarded for something you are expected to do."
He is survived by his wife JoAnne Rainey; daughters Alisha Earl, and Kailie Ilarraza; son, Colby Rainey; son-in-law Bernardo (Tito) Ilarraza, all of Raeford; parents William and Jo Ann (Wynne) Rainey of Virginia Beach; father-in-law Robert (Judy) Pautz; brother, Thomas Rainey; sisters-in-law Amy (Peter) Hansen and Mary Pautz; brother-in-law, Daniel Pautz; three grandchildren, Adrianna, Emilia, and Eli Ilarraza; aunts, Peggy (Ralph) McGhee, Jackie (Barny) Bernard, Louise Rainey Rogers, Virginia Miller Rainey Thomas, and Barbara Pautz; uncle, Lewis (Greta) Rainey; nephews, Ryan (Sarah) Pautz, Devin Collin Hansen, Jack, Sam, and Ian Rainey; and niece Mary Rainey.
He is preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandmother Adell Wynne, and paternal grandmother Mina Bullock Rainey; uncles Albert Rainey, John (Jack) Rainey, Melvin (Butch) Rogers, Hugh Cash, and Graham Cash; mother-in-law Lynn Ann Pautz; and nephew Collin David Hansen.
A graveside service will be held Monday, October 3, 2022, at noon at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.