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Oct. 7, 1956 – June 23, 2024

In loving memory of Michael Lloyd Rinehart, a man whose kindness, generosity, and love

touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

NATCHEZ – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Michael Lloyd Rinehart of Natchez, on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Michael was born on Oct. 7, 1956, in Booneville, MS; throughout his life, he exemplified compassion and warmth that left an indelible mark on the world. His happy childhood was full of playing with neighborhood friends and cousins. He worked on the family’s farm and later in the family’s tire-repair business. He graduated from Booneville High School serving his classes in various student government positions including senior-year Class President.
Michael pursued his passion for petroleum engineering while studying at Delta State University and Mississippi State University and graduating from Louisiana State University; at all three universities, he served as a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity member. He contributed his expertise to such esteemed companies as Meason Operating Company, Big-Joe Oil Company, Potter Garcia, South Carlton Operating Company, and Spokane Operating Company.

More than anything, Michael cherished his beloved wife, Cheryl Foggo Rinehart, who shared his love and companionship throughout their seventeen years together; theirs was a bond built on love, trust, respect, and unwavering support.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Earline Rinehart of Boonville, MS.
Michael is survived by his son, Clifford Palmer Rinehart (Sally), and their children, Laura Grace and Virginia, of Baton Rouge, LA; his daughter, Anne Elise Manning (Walker), and their son, James Walker, also of Baton Rouge, LA; Mary Catherine Moffett and her children, Camille (Millie), Ann Frances, and Hank, of Birmingham, AL; Michael Shull of Zachary, LA, and his daughter, Blair Smith, of Natchez; Caroline Devereaux (Matt) and their children, Stella, Mary Tucker, Porte, and Giles Michael, of Covington, LA; and his mother-in-law, Mary Ann Foggo-Eidt, of Natchez.

Michael’s love for his family and his eleven grandchildren was boundless; and he treasured every moment spent with them attending births, baptisms, birthdays, marriages, holiday celebrations, dance recitals, soccer and football games, and drill team performances. His kindness and generosity extended far beyond his immediate family, touching the lives of people he worked with throughout his life. He treasured being on the water, fishing with his long-time buddies; sailing on Lake Pontchartrain; powerboating; and watching sunsets in Key West, FL, and at Lake St. John in Louisiana: He enjoyed life on the Tchefuncte River in Mandeville, LA, where he and his wife spent many years with special friends at Tchefuncte Oaks; and he loved cheering on the LSU Tigers in Death Valley.

A Memorial Service will be held in Natchez, on Friday, June 28, at Jefferson Street Methodist Church from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., preceded by a visitation from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. and followed by a repass at Magnolia Hall. Memorials may be sent to Pleasant Acre Day School, Krewe of Phoenix, Lake St. John Flotilla, Preservation Society of Ellicott Hill (Natchez Garden Club), Cathedral Catholic School, or Jefferson Street Methodist Church.

Honorary pallbearers will be Benny Jeansonne, Biff Partridge, Steve Skrivanious, and Stanley Cooper.

Online condolences may be sent to the family a lairdfh.com.