Lawrence Andrew Rainey (March 2, 1923 – November 8, 2002) was the Sheriff of Neshoba County, Mississippi from 1963 to 1968. The 1964 murder of three civil rights workers took place in Neshoba County during Rainey's term. Rainey's role in that crime has never been clear. While his deputy, Cecil Price was directly involved, Rainey appears not to have been, although he may have helped cover up the crime after. Rainey was tried for violating the three men's civil rights, but he was ultimately acquitted. After he left office, Rainey was never able to secure a job in law enforcement again. He died of cancer in 2002.
Within the context of Cecil Price's recurring nightmare, Larry Rainey was a long-time member of RACE. When Price and his companions were stopped by an unnamed Neshoba County deputy sheriff, the deputy was surprised that Rainey was not the driver of their vehicle.
