James William Raney, of Edgar Springs, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016, following a long illness.
He was born Nov. 1, 1957, in Pulaski County, son of Army Sgt. First Class Marion Kenneth and Grace Geneva Helums Raney.
He never married or had children of his own. He attended grade school at Edgar Springs and graduated from Licking High School in 1976.
He moved to St. Louis and worked for Georgia-Pacific. He was a member of the Paper Workers Union for 15 years.
He lived with Kenneth and Evelyn Duncan Johnson for some time. He considered the Johnsons as family. He moved back to his childhood home in Edgar Springs in 1992.
He was currently employed at the George O. White State Nursery, where he had worked for several years. He was proud to work for the Missouri Department of Conservation.
He and his sister, Patti, accepted Christ as their Savior in vacation bible school at Rambo Assembly of God in Beulah. They were baptized together at Yancy Mills in July 1967. He rededicated his life in 2007. He attended church at Rambo Assembly of God, Duke Pentecostal Church and other churches.
He enjoyed collecting Chevrolets, gardening and hunting. He enjoyed visiting with his friends while working with them on vehicles. He enjoyed being with family and friends. He raised rottweilers as long as his health allowed.
Survivors include a sister, Patricia (Patti) Raney of Norwood; and many other family members and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation was under the direction of Fox Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Troy Willbanks to pay for services and the headstone.
