Dr. Larry Bruce Rainey

Dr. Larry Rainey lived a life of faith, honor, and service—to his country, to those in need, and to the people he loved.

Larry served his country for 20 years as a Research and Development Officer in the United States Air Force. Following his military retirement, he continued his work in the Department of Defense, including with The Aerospace Corporation. A respected expert in space systems engineering, modeling and simulation, Larry was also an accomplished author, editor, and educator. He taught at the Air Force Institute of Technology, and Colorado Technical University, where he served as Dean of Computer Science.

Yet Larry's life was about far more than professional achievement. He had a soft heart for those who were struggling and believed that when he saw a need, he should do something about it. He was known to give people experiencing homelessness rides to shelters and carried small packets containing money for a phone call home and information about where they could find help.

During the Gulf War, when Larry learned that injured service members arriving at the base, were being housed without bedding, linens, and other basic necessities, he gathered friends and members of his church to help. Together, he provided those necessities for sixty-nine wounded warriors.

Larry's Christian faith was woven throughout his life. He participated in Campus Crusade for Christ during college and later in Officers’ Christian Fellowship, leading Bible studies at various Air Force duty locations. His faith was expressed not only through what he believed, but through the way he served others.

An Eagle Scout in his youth, Larry remained committed throughout his life to the principles of leadership, responsibility, and service. He was a graduate of the University of Colorado, Ohio State University, and Union Institute.

Larry also knew how to appreciate life's quieter gifts. He loved traveling by train and spending time in the mountains, where he found beauty and peace in God’s creation.

To Sabrina, however, Larry's most important role was simply that of husband. During their nearly twenty years of marriage, he was caring, protective, and devoted.

Larry passed away on August 8, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sabrina (Cain) Rainey; his brother, David Rainey of Maryland; and three adult stepchildren: Allison Cook, Phillip Luce, and Stephanie Luce.

His legacy will not be measured only in military service, professional achievements, books, or honors, but also in the lives he touched—a stranger helped, a Wounded Warrior Project cared for, a student taught, a Bible study led, and a wife deeply loved.

For Larry, service was not simply something he believed in. It was something he did.

A life of service, faithfully lived.