Warren Rainier passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, after a short battle with cancer, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Hartfield.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Diane Rainier; brothers, James Williams Rainier (Theresa), Wayne Rainier (Liz), David Rainier; sister, Lisa Chandler; stepdaughter, Shannon Williams (Chad); stepdaughter-in-law, Michelle Carter; a very special mother-in-law, Dorothy Ashley; sister-in-law, Mary Elliott; grandchildren, Autumn and Blake Williams, Logan and Stella Carter, Memphis Gallihugh; nieces and nephews, Lori Conway (Mike), Kenny Hazzard (Lynn), Jamie Rainier (Lori), Charlie Welsh (Sarah), Crissy Epperly (Eric), Blair Edwards (Brad), Chama Elliott, Stephanie Lawson, Annie Rainier, Matthew Rainier; many great-nieces and nephews; and special friends, Mark and Susan Shelton.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James Monroe and Lorraine Hurtt Rainier; brother, Robert Lee; father-in-law, Sonny Ashley; brother-in-law, James Elliott; and stepson, Carroll Carter III.
Warren lived in Middlesex County his entire life, graduating from Middlesex High School.
He married the love of his life, Diane Rainier, on Feb. 14, 1998, and gained a family in the process.
He was a man who never knew a stranger. He was known by many and loved by even more as Cracker Man, Lance Man, Pickle, Pop, husband, brother, father, son, uncle, friend and more.
Once he retired from his longtime career with Lance, he started his lawn care business, Country Time Lawn Care. After selling his lawn care business, he continued to work in the area at Town Marina in Urbanna, Crazy Clover Butcher Shop, and doing various small jobs for friends and family. There was never a day that he was not up early, in his truck, going and doing something.
He spent evenings at home in his log cabin with his wife, having a cup of coffee after supper and sitting in his favorite chair. Warren was a hard-working man who loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, working hard, and playing even harder. He always had a joke to tell and a way to make you laugh.
He loved his family fiercely and would never hesitate to help anyone who needed it. His family and friends will forever remember and cherish the memories made with him over the years.
There will be stories to tell and laughs to have for years to come. He would not want it any other way!
Warren recently joined Saluda Baptist Church and accepted the Lord as his savior through baptism in his home.
The family is blessed to conduct a memorial service in his honor at Saluda Baptist Church, 960 General Puller Highway, Saluda, on Friday, Jan. 5, at 3 p.m. A reception will follow at the Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department (LMVFD) in Deltaville to gather with family and friends. Flowers can be sent to the church, or donations can be made to LMVFD and Saluda Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.
His family thanks everyone for their continued support during this difficult time.
