Myles Johnson Rainey

Myles Johnson Rainey, 20, of Thomasville, passed away Monday, May 18, 2026, at his home.

Born January 15, 2026, in Greensboro, NC, to Darrin O’Neal Rainey and Layne Elizabeth Thornton Rainey.

Growing up, Myles took an immediate interest in sports and began playing soccer at the age of three. From that point on his love for being part of a team, being involved, and growing a circle of friends that he loved became things that were at his very core. Myles’ middle and high school years were filled with many different athletic interests including wrestling and, most notably, football, which was his passion. He volunteered with the Special Olympics, excelled in his educational pursuits and continued to make friends with anyone he met.

He graduated from Central Davidson High School in 2024 and began his college career at Roanoke College in Salem Virginia. Myles had the privilege of playing football for Roanoke College with his brother, Aydin. He found community in the relationships he forged in college as well as Salem Baptist Church in Salem Virginia. His faith was nurtured and his love for Christ became an obvious testament of that faith. He also became involved in Young Life while in college in Virginia.

Myles loved his family unconditionally and they loved him in the same way. He loved to talk sports with anyone; his favorite team was your favorite team. Myles also had a spirit for adventure, going on boat rides on “lake days” with his Mamaw, playing with his cousins, and making everyone feel special and laugh. He shared a birthday with his aunt Lyndsey and shared many laughs with his aunt Ye-Ye. One of the highlights of Myles’s life was that “He went yard at Cooperstown!”

The impact that Myles leaves to those who knew him through the love he showed, the friendships he forged and the lives he touched in any way is tremendous.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James Parnell and Suzzanne Rainey; and maternal grandmother, Lorrie Glass.

Survivors include his parents, Darrin and Layne Rainey; brother, Aydin Rainey; grandparents, Jack “Buddy” Thornton and wife Lisa; and Jimmy Glass. He was also survived by his aunts, Lyndsey and husband Grant Miller and Lauryn “Aunt Ye-Ye” and husband Josh, Melanie Parnell and Becky Parnell; uncles, Garrison Thornton, Scott Parnell and Milton Parnell; cousins, Graylen and Layton Miller, Oakleigh and Adelynn Duncan, and Maiya Parnell and him Mamaw Lou.

The family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to Roanoke College and the support that they and Rev. K have shown to them and to Aydin.

Celebration of Life service will be 3:00-5:00PM Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Richard Childress Racing complex; 425 Industrial Dr., Welcome, NC 27374.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point, is in charge of the arrangements.