Obituary of James W. Raney

James William Raney of Edgar Springs, MO went to be with the Lord on May 25, 2016 following a long illness. He was the son of retired Army Sgt. First Class Marion Kenneth Raney and Grace Geneva (Helums) Raney, born November 1, 1957 at Pulaski County Memorial Hospital in Waynesville, MO. James never married or had children of his own. He attended grade school at Edgar Springs School, and graduated from Licking High School in 1976. He moved to St. Louis and worked for Georgia-Pacific and was a member of the Paper Workers Union for 15 years. He lived with Kenneth & Evelyn (Duncan) Johnson for sometime and he considered the Johnson’s as family. He moved back to his childhood home in Edgar Springs in 1992, following the closing of the factory in , MO. He was currently employed at the George O. White State Nursery in Licking, MO, where he had worked for several years. He was proud to work for the Missouri Department of Conservation. He and his sister accepted Christ as their Savior in Vacation Bible School at Rambo Assembly of God, in Beulah, MO and were baptized together at Yancy Mills (Piney River) in July of 1967. He rededicated his life in 2007. He attended church at Rambo Assembly of God at Beulah, MO, Duke Pentecostal Church at Duke, MO 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 had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to be around people and could always make someone laugh. He had a way with words and told many funny stories. His eyes would twinkle when he could get someone to laugh. He raised Rottweiler’s as long as his health allowed. He trained them and took good care of his furry friends. He is survived by one sibling, his sister, Patricia (Patti) Raney of Norwood, MO. A girl who he had loved for 38 years, Brenda Dewar of Saint Louis, MO. Special cousins, Mindy (Kurt) Russell and family of Norwood, MO, Cara Steig of Mansfield, MO, Mona McNatt & family of Walls, MS, Russell Brown of Mountain Grove, MO. Best friends/family, Troy and Coy Willbanks and Kathy Sharp and families. Special lifelong friends were the Willbanks Family in Beulah, MO, Paul Smith of Olympia, WA, Robert Smith of Wentzville, MO, Fred Mathis of Edgar Springs, MO, James Hall of Edgar Springs, MO, the McBride Family of Edgar Springs, MO and many, many family & friends who loved him more then he knew. He will be so sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He was ready to go be with the Lord. We must rejoice. Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain. Those who follow God will see him again in Heaven. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Family and friends will be notified. All who loved him are welcome to attend. Cremation was under the direction of Fox Funeral Home in Licking. He will be buried next to his Mother & Dad at Hillcrest Cemetery in Mountain Grove, MO. Longtime friend, Rev. Dale Garrison will officiate the services.