James Elbert Raney

A funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at Christ Episcopal Church at 10:00 am by Rev. Howard Castleberry. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches, Texas. Army Military Rites will be rendered. Pallbearers will include Mike Latimer, Doug Kayem, David Thomas, Vance Tiller, Alan Fitch, Ben Miles. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Aikin, Gary C. Godfrey, Arthur Speck, Johnny Hayman, Billy Willis, and Johnnie Johnson. Friends and family are invited to open visitation on Monday, June 23, from 12:00pm until 5:00 pm. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors. Family will be present from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be offered to Sandra and James E. Raney Scholarship Fund., SFA Alumni Association, PO Box 6096, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of forty-eight years, Sandra Hill Raney; older sister, Marjorie Ann Raney; infant brother and infant sister.

James is survived by his wife, Vida Lynne Kowalski Raney, whom he married June 23, 2012. Vida was a loving and caring wife who gave James all the attention one could ask for. He often said, “She was fun.” He loved her very much, without question. He is survived by his daughters, Penny Raney of Dallas, Julie Raney Williams and husband Kirby Lee Williams of Flower Mound; grandchildren, Kate, Claire, and Dray Schmidt; Sam, Avery and Zoe Williams; sisters, Theda Raney Flournoy, Eileen and husband John J. Thrash; brother, John N. Raney and wife Elizabeth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

James moved with his family to Huntsville, Texas in 1950 where he was graduated with the class of 1958. After graduation from college he served in the Army and US ARMY Reserve for six years having attained the rank of First Lieutenant.James and Sandra moved to Nacogdoches July 4, 1966 where they opened the Varsity Book Store. They operated the store until February 28, 2003, at which time it was sold.James devoted much of his life to public service to his community. He served nine years as trustee on the Nacogdoches Independent School Board, two years as President; ten years on the City Commission (City Council) two as Mayor; Governor Clements appointed him to the Criminal Justice Task Force Commission and Governor Clements also twice appointed James as Chairman of the DETCOG Regional Review Committee. Governor Perry appointed him to the Angelina-Neches River Authority Board of Directors.

He was Past Master of Milam Lodge No. 2, a member of all York Rite Bodies, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner. He was a member of Safari Club International, a life member of Texas State Rifle Association and the National Rifle Association. He also was a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. He was a Rotarian, having served on the board of and the Nacogdoches Rotary Club. James was a past president of the Nacogdoches Booster Club.James was an Episcopalian having served on the Vestry of Christ Church and as Senior Warden. He was faithful in his attendance and giving.

He hated no one. To him, to “hate” was unforgiveable. He was quick to forgive and forget. James tried to live as an example; for by doing so he could affect more people than by the spoken word.