Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, in Byrd Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Hays McKay and Kyle Gatlin officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts are requested to be given to Wiregrass Area Food Bank, 382 Twitchell Road, Dothan, AL 36303, or Covenant United Methodist Church Building Fund, 3610 W. Main St., Dothan, AL 36305.
Michael was born March 28, 1986, in Dothan. He attended Dothan High School and had attended classes at Wallace Community College. Growing up, he loved sports and was a gifted athlete in baseball, soccer, basketball and football. One of Michael's greatest joys in life was his many friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Mary Rainer and Tom and Emily Sullivan.
He is survived by his parents, Robin and Maiga Rainer; his brother, Tom Rainer, and Tom's special friend Crissi Bond; and Michael's most special friend, Courtney Roberts.
Active pallbearers will be Mark Ferguson, Brandon Thompson, Calvin White, Aaron Rukvina, Austin Wells and Greg Bongino.
Byrd Funeral Home, (334) 793-3003, is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook at www.dothaneagle.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Keith Beck
September 7, 2006
I have known Michael since I first moved to Dothan back in 2nd grade...even tho we had lost contact over the years I still consider him as a friend...I send my heart....Keith B.
Veronica Lashley
September 5, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Veronica Lashley
September 5, 2006
Robin, Maiga, Tom, and Courtney,
I love you guys so much!!! Michael was truley a blessing and and angel!!!I've been friends with Michael since kindergarten and I loved him so much and I will never forget him!!! I am always here for any of you!!! You all are in my prayers!!! love ya!!!
Toby and Kimberly Baxley
September 2, 2006
Courtney and the Rainer family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We did not know Michael but we do know Courtney. She is a great person so we know he was to. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Jim Benson
August 29, 2006
Please accept the sympathyand prayers of the staff and faculty of Marion Military Institute.
Col Jim Benson, USMC (ret)
President, Marion Military Institute
kimberly summers
August 27, 2006
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Gordon and Amy Lane
August 21, 2006
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Laura Smith
August 18, 2006
Dear Maiga,Robin,and Tom,
I know you are all hurting during this time of sorrow but Michael is no longer suffering and he is in a much better place now. I choose to remember Michael as the very sweet and kind young man that graced my home several times while in high school. He always had a big smile and hug for me whenever I saw him. He had a way of bringing joy to everyone's life. He will be greatly missed by my family.
God Bless!
Laura Clark Smith, Steve, Krista & Kameron Greathouse, and Abigail Smith
Bubba & Anita Willis
August 17, 2006
We are sorry to hear of your loss. We wanted to say your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Courtney and Michael were at our home about a month ago for a BBQ he was all smiles and talking about the baby this is how we will remember him.
keisha mcadams
August 16, 2006
we are sorry to hear of your loss. just wanted to say your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
the mcadams family
PATSY JORDAN
August 16, 2006
CRISSI,TOM AND FAMILY, WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS. BILL AND PATSY JORDAN
Earl/Dana Story
August 15, 2006
Earl and I are deeply saddened to hear this sad news. Even though it has been a long time since we have seen you, we think of you often. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Earl and Dana
Vicki Mills, 7th District Governor
August 15, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
May your memories of Michael give you strength at this time.
Patricia Hodges
August 15, 2006
I know that you will trust in the Lord and find comfort in the days ahead. I am so sorry. I'm Crissi's Aunt.
Sandra Shellhouse
August 14, 2006
Dear Maiga & Robin,
I can not begin to imagine what you and your family are going through. Maiga, you know that I have had my share of ups and downs with Amanda and I have learned over the years that God does not put no more on us than we can withstand. I hope that this will bring some comfort to you during this difficult time. You have always been so good to us when we had to be in the hospital. Just know that I am here for you, whenever. Michael is watching over us now and smiling knowing that you will see him again one day. Take care of yourself and take time for yourself and be kind to yourself. Your friend always, Sandra Shellhouse
Carla Johnson
August 14, 2006
Let the good memories be a source of comfort for you. May God's love give you strength during this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Patsy Coggins-Weeks
August 14, 2006
Dear Robin and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was with your son while he was in surgery at Flowers Hospital. I hope it might be some comfort to you to know he was not alone. I stayed with him and took care of him as if he were my own. He recieved the very best of care and was treated with the very highest degree of compassion, respect and dignity. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Your friend from high school,
Nita Hogg
August 14, 2006
Earth has no sorrows
That Heaven cannot cure.
May you rest in the arms of our loving Savior, knowing He doeth all things well.
May God Bless you as you travel through this valley of deep sorrow.
ALLEN AND WINNIE JEAN JONES
August 14, 2006
Our prays are with you.
Allen and Winnie Jean Jones
NPF Family Members
brittany hughes
August 14, 2006
you will be missed! may god be with your family and friends! we love you!
Sandi and Aaron
August 14, 2006
Michael was such a precious person that everybody loved. It is not easy to say good bye but at least we know where he is and that God is with him. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the family and I hope you will find comfort when you think back on all the memories with Michael.
Judy Payne
August 14, 2006
Robin, I heard this sad news and wanted you to know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Judy Wilson Payne
Macon Academy, Class of 1971
Jessica Holderfield
August 14, 2006
Michael was so very dear and he touched all of our lives at one point or another. Now it is time for him to touch someonelses life. I'm very sorry for your loss but Michael is truly an angel and now he is home.
Mavis Mims (Wiregrass Hospice)
August 14, 2006
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort and strengthen you during this time.
Lana McGinnis
August 14, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Charlene Patterson
August 14, 2006
I am very sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers. God bless.
Kaye Spann
August 14, 2006
Mr. & Mrs. Rainer,
You have been in my family's thoughts and prayers since we heard the news of Michael. We are deeply sorry, but wanted you to know he was a very special person; the memories of him will be with us always. May God be with you during this time of need.
Kaye Spann,&
Johnathan Spann
Keith Rukvina & family
August 14, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. We all loved Michael and he will be missed in our home. He was always a joy to be around and he will continue to be in our thoughts.
August 14, 2006
Our prayes are with You and your family in this time of sorrow.
FSCU 84 West.
Dianne
August 14, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Krista Greathouse
August 14, 2006
It is so hard to lose someone so great, but then you realize that he is in a much greater place and with better faces!! Michael was a great person with a great heart and he will be missed so much! He has put a light in my heart for sure! Michael has also shown that there is no chance for tomorrow, so we must live today! We are all praying for him and we know now that God is with him and he will be missed by so many! You are all in my prayers.
Donna Phillips
August 14, 2006
Maiga and Robin,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that every day will bring comfort and peace within your heart. May God bless you with the knowledge that Michael is with him in eternal glory.
Donna Phillips
Mrs.Lavato Wimes-Weatherspoon
August 14, 2006
MAY GOD'S LOVING GRACE BE UPON YOU. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
Linda Cannavan
August 14, 2006
Our prayers are with you.
Staff of Two East 11-7.
June Bess
August 14, 2006
I am sorry for the loss of your son, you are in my prayers. Maiga just lean on GOD and he will see you through this tough time. Your Medical Center Friends.
Bryan Smith
August 13, 2006
I wish to extend the sincere condolences of myself and the Columbia Lions Club. It is our wish that God shine his light of mercy upon your family in the coming days. You will be in my thoughts and if there is anything I can do to help you through this difficult time, please do not hesitate to call.
Aaron & Ashley Ashworth
August 13, 2006
I am very sorry to hear about your son. But he is with GOD now and he is in good hands. may GOD be with you at this time in your life.
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