Michael Leon Rather

Michael Leon Rather was born on July 20, 1963, to the late Leon and Elizabeth Rather. Michael confessed Christ at an early age and joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend W.M. Norwood. Michael graduated from Minor High School in 1981. He went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army and later retired from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Columbia, SC. He was preceded in death by his brothers Tyrone and Ricardo Rather. In September of 2022, Michael married his beloved Latricia, and they built a beautiful life together. They especially enjoyed traveling together with family centered trips being their favorite. Michael joined the Robert E. McNair Mason Lodge # 146. He was gifted with a beautiful voice and loved to share his passion for music and singing with family and friends. He was known as a walking encyclopedia and loved to share information, knowledge and inspiration. Michael was the jokester at family gatherings and took pleasure in aggravating his siblings, especially his sisters. His personal mantra “family over everything” was not just something he said but something he lived. On December 20, 2025 he left home to run errands in preparation of the up-coming holiday dinner. He loved to cook for his family and took special care to plan ahead to surprise them with new recipes. Tragically, a drunk driver’s actions ended the earthly life of a beautiful soul. Michael’s legacy will be forever cherished by his loving wife Latricia Rather; step-son and best-bud, Jamel Holley; sisters, Kristy Rather and Angela Johnson; mother-in-law, Joyce Trice; sisters-in law, Gertraude Rather and Jackie Trice; nieces, Geralda Johnson, Carriss (Jamaral) Gilchrist, Ines Rather and Aajene Robinson; nephews, Leon (Katja) Rather II and Andrew Robinson; aunt, Bettie Smith and uncle, Tommie (Linda) Charles and many other relatives and friends. Michael proudly helped rear Jalique, Jarvernique and Angel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Leon Rather, please visit our floral store.