Melvin G. Raley

GIBSON - Mr. Melvin G. Raley, age 93 of Beall Spring Road, died Wednesday morning, February 11, 2015 in the Gibson Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, February 14, in the Providence Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Hadden and Rev. Tim Pendry officiating. Burial will follow with Military Honors in the church cemetery.  Pallbearers will be: Bill English, Robert English, Frank Moye, Spike Jones, John Shirey, Mark Shirey, Ben Raley, Frank Raley, Jimmy Wilcher, Andrew Wilcher and Vonion Heggs.  Junior Pallbearers will be: Thomas Raley, Makay Hoover, Micah Hoover, Hunter Rabun, Matthew Hoover, Fisher Rabun and Ryder Rabun.

A native of the community Grange, GA., in North Jefferson Co, Mr. Raley was a son of the late John Frank and Mattie Bell Black Raley.  He was a graduate of UGA with a B.S. degree in agricultural science. Melvin was a WWII Army Veteran serving in the 3rd Army of General Patton, 4th Infantry Division, 22nd Infantry Regiment, H Company where he served for 36 days before becoming a casualty of war. He received a service medal with 1 bronze service star, a good conduct medal, Purple Heart Medal, and a World War II Victory medal. He was a charter member of the Glascock County Lions Club, and the Glascock Co Volunteer Fire Department. Melvin was a member of the American Legion,   Masons, CSRA Development Authority, GA Seed Association, Southern Seed Association, and many other organizations. Melvin worked for the University of Georgia Extension Service for 33 years as a County Agent and 4H leader. He was a lifelong farmer who started a regional production and wholesale seed company, R&R Seed Farms, as a second career for his family. Melvin was a lifelong member and Deacon of Providence Baptist Church in Grange.

Mr. Raley was preceded in death by his parents and 9 siblings, and is survived by his loving and devoted wife; Sara Francis Wilcher Raley of Gibson, daughters; Melba Raley of Gibson, Susanne (Fred) Guerrant of Thomson, son; John (Kathryn) Raley of Gibson, grandchildren; Kathy (Jason) Hoover, Shane (Michelle) Rabun, Kara Raley, Anna Raley, Thomas Raley and William Guerrant, great grandchildren; MaKay Hoover, Micah Hoover, Matthew Hoover, Hunter Rabun, Fisher Rabun, Ryder Rabun, Mirabelle Rabun, and Spencer Raley.

The Raley family will receive friend's 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.

Taylor Funeral Home Gibson is in charge of Arrangements.

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