Joseph F. Raley
August 25, 1933 ~ July 22, 2011
Joseph F. Raley, 77, of Lake Charles, died Friday July 22 in a local hospital.
He was born August 25, 1933 in Avenue, MD to John D. and Mary Evelyn Bailey Raley. Joseph served in the United States Air Force, based at Chenault and was a member of the American Legion, Krewe of Amicus and Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. He was an insurance agent with Allstate for 30 years in Lake Charles.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 55 years, Frances Landry Raley, Lake Charles, two sons, Scott Raley and wife Ellen, of Lake Charles, Gregory Raley and wife Tanya of West Columbia, Texas; three daughters, Jeanne McDonald and husband John, of Lake Charles, Colleen Smith and husband Gary, of Lake Charles, Paula Raley, of Lake Charles; grandchildren, Sean and wife, Katie McDonald, Shane and husband, Jonathan Foret, Chad and wife, Holly Paulk, Ross Raley, Adam Raley, Beth Raley, Greg and wife, Jill Raley, Grant and wife, Danielle Raley, Gray Raley, DeSean Smith, and Brit'ny Rudd; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Julia Jones, Napa Valley, CA; and lifelong friend Darline Huval.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM Monday July 25, 2011 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church with Msgr. Danny Torres officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday at Johnson Funeral Home with a rosary and scripture service being held at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9:00 AM until 1:30 PM Monday at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Consolota Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Foret, Chad Paulk, Ross Raley, Adam Raley, Greg Raley, Grant Raley, Gray Raley, DeSean Smith, Sean McDonald.
The family would like to express a special appreciation to his dedicated caregivers Jean Alfred, Sue Brooks, and Judy Thomas for all the compassionate care.
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At our 60th reunion Joe was mentioned a number of times-all fond memories. He will always be remembered as an honest,make you laugh friend. He will be missed by us all. You have my condolences and prayers.
Dear Frances and Family,I spent many happy visits with the Raley family during my high schools years when I was close friends with his sister, Peggy. He left St. Mary's County, MD for a stint in the military and I left when I married fifty years ago. I always enjoyed running into Raley family members when I visited my family there. Reconnecting with Joe via e-mail after so many years was a special pleasure. I enjoyed sharing his political views, his never-ending humor, his lifelong sweetness and kindness. I pray that your wonderful family will give you solace with his loss. Mary Alice
Dear FrancesWe feel so fortunate that through Grant we got to know PawPaw Raley. All of the special occasions that we gathered for because of the kids were made more enjoyable because of him and his big personality. Please know that you and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.Much love,Sandra and Doug Theriot
Dear Scott, Ellen, Family;I'm so sorry for your loss and want you to know my thoughts are with you all.Love, Jody
Frances, so sorry for your loss. Joe was a terrific guy. We will always remember that red, curly hair that he had in high school and his jokes that he liked to pull on his classmates. I will , also, miss his emails. Where he found all that stuff, I don't know. Love, Helen
Hello Frances;We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We grew up on neighboring farms and went all the way from 1st grade thru high school. Our families were very close. Lots of good times and memories.Our prayers are with you and your family.Billy Alice Ann Thompson
Mrs. Frances, i'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Joe. My heart goes out to you and your family. Anytime we met, he was always smiling and happy. I'm going to miss him dearly. I'm sorry we didn't get to visit more often. This world is not going to be the same without him. Mrs. Frances, i love you and take care of yourself. Blaine
Paula, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My prayers are with you and your family. May God bless and comfort you in your time of need.
Paula, very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. In my prayers…
Raley Family,Our prayers are with all of you. May God bless and comfort you.Love in Christ,Donna, Jimmy, Katy, Kelly Fontenot
Roselyn and I want to extend our deepest condolence to you Fancis and the family. Joe will be missed at the McNeese Football games. Our prayers are with you and the family.David and Roselyn Hunter
Scott and Ellen,Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, your mother and your entire family at this time.
So Sorry to hear about Joe. He Was such a wonderful person and fun to be with. Now I have no one to pick on me. We will never forget Hawaii, we had so much fun, spiders and all. Aloha, Joe.
To the Raley family- We want you to know that you are are in our prayers at this time of great loss. I remember the fun we had when Johnny and Greg were playing ball at Barbe.Those are some really good memories. Johnny is working in Mississippi and send his condolences also. Love yall- Becky spano
We love you Francis. God bless you and family.