Mr. Leslie Samuel Rainey of Pittsboro Christian Village passed away August 4, 2012.
Mr. Les was born January 24, 1914 in Brantford, Ontario, Canada to the late William and Mary Rainey. He dedicated his life to serving God after becoming a Christian at an Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship camp as a teenager. He trained at Dallas Theological Seminary, The King’s College of London and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He was a missionary to Bermuda, Israel and Africa for over 50 years. In Zambia and Zimbabwe, Les wrote digests of the Scriptures which were used as texts for religious instruction classes in these countries. He also lived in South Africa and Kenya and traveled extensively all over the world teaching the Word of God.
He is the author of a dozen books. He retired initially to Victoria, British Columbia, but then returned to Augusta, Georgia to work with his dear friends at Bethany Chapel, before moving to North Carolina to be nearer to family. Mr. Les was known for his 98 years of joyfulness and unfailing good cheer. He was a blessing to everyone he came in contact with and enjoyed rich and lasting relationships with friends all over the globe. He loved life and people and never stopped sharing the good news of the Gospel.
Proceeding Mr. Rainey in death along with his parents are six siblings, Margaret, John, George, Mary, David and Jean. Also his first wife, Audrey Butler Rainey and second wife, Anna Grace McLaren and her daughter Cynthia Myers. Surviving Mr. Rainey are his sons, Jonathan Kim, David Shannon and Daniel Marie, and his daughters Sharon Scott Jon and Karen Howell. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, and his very dear friend, Mrs. Mae Brown. The Family wishes to thank all of the staff at PCV for their loving care of Papa over the past 3 years.
A Memorial service to celebrate Les’ life will be held at Pittsboro Christian Village Assembly on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 2:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be sent to Pittsboro Christian Village, 1825 East Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
Allen Morrison
I believe I met Brother Rainey in 1947 at the Brethren Conference at the Blue Ridge Conference Center in Black Mountain, NC. His testimony there influenced my life as a Christian to follow God’s call into the ministry. I served churches for years. God’s comfort be with you at this time.
Rev. Allen Morrison, P.O. Box 1191, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
Caryl Brigance
What an amazing life. Blessings and love to the family as Les has gone home to be with the Lord. I’m sure he was greeted with “Well done, my child”.
Love and sympathy to the family,
Caryl
Nancy Dixon
Dearest Rainey Family Members,
It was a great pleasure in knowing your father, grandfather these last fourteen months here at the Pittsboro Christian Village .
My prayers are with you now and the days ahead.
Until We Meet Again,
Nora and Nancy Dixon
Susan Miller
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. What a servant of God Mr. Rainy was. God is pleased. Joe, Susan, Mary Katherine and Trent Miller
Tim Rainey
My thoughts and prayers are with your family now.
I wish so much I was able to attend the memorial service, but my thoughts and prayers for you now will have to suffice.
My love of geography was greatly inspired by my Uncle Les. As a boy, I remember him bringing us hand-carved wooden animals from Africa, and I eagerly awaited his letters to hear the stories of his work, and save the stamps on the envelopes they came in, which I still have.
My Great Uncle Les, was the only Great Uncle I ever knew in my life, but great memories of him will never fade away. His life was rich in friends and family; his life’s experiences are an inspiration to anyone who knew of them; his jolly mannerisms and stories would bring a smile to anyones face, and his labor for the Lord will be richly rewarded in Heaven.
Considering myself lucky enough to share the same last name, as this great man.
All My Love,
Tim Rainey
Uncle Les’ great nephew, son of Ross Rainey
Michael Dufton
My Great Uncle Les was a joy to know. His great enthusiasm was infectious and his many stories were fascinating.
I am thankful for his prayer at my wedding but more thankful for all the memories.
Wishing you much peace and love Uncle Les,
Michael, Sue and Olivia Dufton
Sharon Thomas
Les Rainey was my dearest friend. I came to know Les when he came to PCV in 2008. I have never known a more Godly man.Any questions I had about the Bible, he could answer & he taught me so much.Les was there for me with his love, prayers and support during the loss of my granddaughter, daddy and mama.I can still hear his words “God does not make mistakes” when I tried to make sense in the passing of my granddaughter.Oh to see his smiling face and his “happy dance” when he met Jesus.Heaven truly gained a saint when Les left us.I am going to miss him so very much but I carry with me the memories of the years spent with him laughing, praying, and just being together.My life was changed because of his friendship and love. I anxiously await the day that we will meet again in heaven.My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time.Cling to your memories and thank God that you had the blessing of having your dad/grandfather for these many years. Love to you all, Sharon Thomas
Kendra Lawrence
I helped to take care of Mr. Les when I was a CNA at PCV. He always had a kind and encouraging word for me, even when I got him up for the day. lol Thank you for allowing me the honor to meet and help care for this sweet sweet soul. I will miss Mr. Les but I know he is with his Lord whom he loves so much.
Jeannine
I met Les when I worked for Knology (a cable, phone and internet company in Augusta). He stopped me one day while I was working and asked what I did and he said “oh you know computers? I could sure use some help trying to figure out how to use one.” I think he was 94 at the time. I agreed to offer him a hand, and when he asked me what a mouse was, i knew i was in trouble! I then offered to come to his home behind Bethany Baptist Church every Tuesday afternoon to teach him to use his computer. In exchange i was able to learn of his life and all of the adventures he’d experienced all around the globe. We quickly became great friends and our afternoons were always filled with laughter. I was truly blessed to have him as a friend and I will never forget our time together.