Harold William Rieniets, 77, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, surrounded by his family. Harold was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Lucille and Clyde Rieniets who preceded him in death along with his brother, David.
Harold was a state champion wrestler at Wichita South High School. He went on to proudly serve his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. After returning from deployment in Vietnam, he continued his service as Marine detail for Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 12. Harold graduated from Wichita State University, where he married Becky in 1972.
Daughters Luci and Rachel were born in Kansas, and the family soon began a life of moving with Harold’s career as an accountant with the Copeland Corporation, calling Tennessee, Alabama (four separate times), Ohio, Missouri, and Georgia home before retiring back to Decatur.
Harold loved the outdoors, traveling, hunting pheasant, fishing, and being on the water. He could patiently spend hours pulling waterskiers or hurtling screaming kids around the lake on a tube. In retirement, Harold and Becky traveled the world together, enjoying cruises and adding to their ever-growing list of countries visited.
He was happiest enjoying the simple things—floating in the pool with a drink in hand, swapping stories and playing poker or bridge with friends, and entertaining his grandchildren.
Harold is survived by his wife of 54 years, Becky; daughters Rachel (Hagler) Wiley and Luci (David) Ray; grandchildren Hilton & Harrison Wiley; Jones, Clyde, & Mary Nelson Beavers; and Alex, Harvey, Woods, & Annie Ray.
A service with military honors will be held at Central United Methodist Church in Decatur on Saturday, October 3, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Semper Fi Fund or the Wounded Warrior Project.
