Archie Wayne Rainey

Archie began his career in law enforcement in 1959 when he enlisted in the United States Army and

joined the military police corp. After his service he returned home to work with the Savannah TN PD and then with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. His fondest memory as a Tennessee Trooper was escorting James Earl Ray, the assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King from the county jail to court in Memphis in 1968.

Archie was given an opportunity to continue his education while with the state and graduated from the University of Tennessee with both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Criminal Justice allowing him to begin in teaching career at the University of Tennessee at Martin. In 1974 Archie came to Columbus State University (then Columbus College) and served as a member of the criminal justice department for more than 21 years. In 1995 he was instrumental in establishing the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College at Columbus State and continued as its founder and director until his retirement in 2016 after more than 40 years at Columbus State. The program became a premier national model of leadership development training while receiving a graduate degree, the only program of its kind in existence then and today. Archie through his time with the criminal justice program and later the Command College literally impacted thousands of criminal justice practitioners from interns to cadets, to aspiring chief executives. His presence in Georgia’s law enforcement will be sorely missed. Archie left a footprint on thousands of students and law enforcement officers across the state.

While living in Columbus, Archie also met the love of his life, Betty, at the old Ethel's gashouse with his famous group of regulars that continue to tell the stories of the old professor. Archie and Betty were faithfully married for 32 years. Many memories and friendships were established in that tiny bar. Archie wasn't a big drinker, but he most certainly took it all in. He enjoyed the happiness of others and wanted to see them have a good time. Once he met Betty, he insisted that she was the one. Betty came with a feisty teenage daughter that didn't approve of any man taking her mom away. Archie would not give up.....he showed up in his beat up Camaro and it embarrassed her. His kindness overtook the old car and the two became fast friends. He intruded on the life of a teenager not knowing the adversity he would face yet he never gave up. Teens never want what is needed, however Archie always knew what was necessary. He was gentle, patient and kind.

He was the glue that kept the explosion at bay. Archie has put us all in our corners, when necessary, but always for a purpose. He continued to love and devote himself to his prized granddaughter, the one that stole the show, Abigail. She did no wrong. One of his last intentional acts of affection was to take her to Reynolds, GA to get a Weimaraner puppy, Bella, which she cherishes deeply.

He knew what we needed and when we needed it. We will forever be grateful for the lessons learned from the great professor of life. Archie loved the world and wanted to leave it a better place. He is at peace!

He leaves behind his loving wife, Betty Rainey; his daughter, Marsha Combs; his granddaughter, Abigail Oates and his siblings, Joel Tracy Rainey, Glenda Kay Williams, Sharon Gail Haney, and Lisa Page Murphy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Edgewood Hall, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907 at 4:00PM. Family will visit with friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held privately with his immediate family at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Rainey family.