Michael C. Rainwater

Captain Michael C. Rainwater, USMC, passed away March 4, 2026, in his home state of Georgia. He was 53. Michael lived a life defined by service to his country, to those under his protection, and to the principles he believed were worth defending. Born in Atlanta on New Year's Day 1973 to Harry Lee Rainwater and Diane Ivey Rainwater, Michael grew into a young man driven by intellect and duty. He graduated from Centennial High School in Ellicott City, MD, and later from the Virginia Military Institute (1995) where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps in 1998.

After receiving his commission, he attended the Marine Corps Infantry Officer's course. While on active duty, Mike served in the 3rd Battalion, 2d Marines, 2d Force Reconnaissance Company, and the 2d Anglico Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. Mike participated in combat operations around the world; including Kosovo, Eastern Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. During his years of service, Mike received extensive training in close quarters battle, urban warfare, special operations, urban reconnaissance and surveillance. He conducted field intelligence operations, advanced firearms techniques, and various other unconventional warfare skills. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Mike served as the Officer-In-Charge of the Marine Liaison Element within the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Mike received numerous medals and awards for exemplary service including the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service medals, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the NATO medal for service in Kosovo, the National Defense Service medal, Humanitarian Service medal, badges for Expert Rifle and Pistol, and many others.

After leaving the Marine Corps, Mike began working as a government contractor and received his instructor ratings in dignitary protection, high threat security operations. While working as a close protection specialist, Mike protected various foreign heads of state, and the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan. Mike also worked as part of an elite operational force of NATO's Counter-Narcotics efforts in Afghanistan. Additionally, Mike was the co-owner and Director of Tactical Training Programs for Archangel Tactical, LLC of Georgia. Having conducted operations throughout the world, he was a highly regarded professional by his peers.

Mike was a man of strong convictions and deep loyalty. He believed in responsibility, preparedness, and standing firm in one's faith. Though shaped by the weight of his war experiences, he never lost faith in God's purpose or in the enduring strength of the human spirit. He loved football season and watching his Georgia Bulldogs. Mike found peace in and fly fishing in Georgia rivers, remained engaged with current events and history, particularly the study of the American Civil War. He spent the first half of his life serving and protecting others. He spent the second half of his life teaching others to protect themselves. He had begun writing a book, seeking to share both his knowledge and his perspective with others. Michael was comforted by quiet time with his service dogs Rowdy, a Ridgeback; and most recently, his Roxi, a Belgian Malinois.

Mike will forever be known as one of the very best tacticians to walk the earth; not just for his immeasurable skill, but for who he was as a man. For those who stood beside him, the mission is complete, the watch is relieved, and this Marine now stands at eternal post. Semper Fidelis.

Michael is survived by his father, Lee Rainwater, steps Jenny Rainwater and Jerry Boland; siblings Mathew Rainwater, Julie Woodruff, Jennifer White, Jerry Boland Jr, Jason Boland and Drew Bennett; aunt and uncle Renee and Elston Bingham, cousins Alisha Atwell and Robin Broom as well as other extended family, cherished friends, and many brothers in arms. He was preceded in death by his mother, Diane Ivey Boland and grandmother Helen Ivey Sudbrink.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at Jericho Walls on the River, 1858 Bishop Road, Canton, Ga. Gathering of friends and family will be at 11am, followed by service at noon. Military honors at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr., Canton, GA are at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's honor to Wounded Warrior Project or K9s for Warriors.