Official Obituary of
George Noel Raney, Sr.
March 8, 1934 ~ August 17, 2024 (age 90) 90 Years Old
George Raney Life Story
George Noel Raney, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Saturday, August 17th. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Longview at 10 am Friday, August 30th, with a Life Celebration to follow at 11 am.
Born in Nacogdoches, Texas, on March 8, 1934, to Byron Alton Raney and Hollis Andrews Raney, George lived a life rich in faith and family.
George married Madge Bonham on August 23, 1953, and he said that, apart from asking Jesus to be his Lord and Savior, that was the best decision he ever made. They were married for 70 years and had four children.
He was a steadfast Christian, and served the Lord at First Baptist Church Longview in many capacities. He was a dedicated deacon as well as a long-time teacher in the 4-year-old Sunday school class. After approximately 60 years of teaching preschoolers, he stepped down and joined a "grown-up" Sunday school. He boasted that he had finally been promoted, and it was fun there, too, but they had fewer goldfish and less juice. He owned several businesses in Longview during his life, including Raney's Old West and Red Wing Shoes.
He loved to haggle and could never pass up a "good deal." He loved telling stories of the past. More often than not his stories concluded in one of two ways: life advice about the faithfulness of God or about how he enjoyed annoying his older brother Kenneth. His voice could fill a room. Frankly, his voice could fill a small stadium, but it was always filled with warmth and affection. His loud sneezes, however, frequently made small children cry.
A proud alum of the University of Texas, he was deeply invested in their football team, and since someone had the audacity to confine football to only one season per year, he followed all of their other sports as well. He played golf multiple times a week with friends who became like family, and later started playing pool. He could never pass up friendly competition and thrived on improving his skills and fellowshipping with friends.
George's life was a testament to his faith and his love for his family. He will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered for his warm heart, vibrant spirit, and the profound impact he had on those around him.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Madge Raney, his parents, Byron & Hollis Raney, his brother Kenneth Raney, son, Mark Raney, and daughter-in-law, Carletta Raney. His legacy is carried on by his son, Noel Raney, Jr., daughters, Bethany Hollomon & Julie O'Bryant (Shannon). Grandchildren: Richard and James Hollomon, Nikki O'Bryant, Jordan Miller (James), Morgan Derrick, (Braeden), Taylor O'Bryant (Jamie), Chad Fenton, Jared Raney (Raven), Andy Harley, and Emma Raney. He has seven great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks donations be made to First Baptist Church of Longview.
Born in Nacogdoches, Texas, on March 8, 1934, to Byron Alton Raney and Hollis Andrews Raney, George lived a life rich in faith and family.
George married Madge Bonham on August 23, 1953, and he said that, apart from asking Jesus to be his Lord and Savior, that was the best decision he ever made. They were married for 70 years and had four children.
He was a steadfast Christian, and served the Lord at First Baptist Church Longview in many capacities. He was a dedicated deacon as well as a long-time teacher in the 4-year-old Sunday school class. After approximately 60 years of teaching preschoolers, he stepped down and joined a "grown-up" Sunday school. He boasted that he had finally been promoted, and it was fun there, too, but they had fewer goldfish and less juice. He owned several businesses in Longview during his life, including Raney's Old West and Red Wing Shoes.
He loved to haggle and could never pass up a "good deal." He loved telling stories of the past. More often than not his stories concluded in one of two ways: life advice about the faithfulness of God or about how he enjoyed annoying his older brother Kenneth. His voice could fill a room. Frankly, his voice could fill a small stadium, but it was always filled with warmth and affection. His loud sneezes, however, frequently made small children cry.
A proud alum of the University of Texas, he was deeply invested in their football team, and since someone had the audacity to confine football to only one season per year, he followed all of their other sports as well. He played golf multiple times a week with friends who became like family, and later started playing pool. He could never pass up friendly competition and thrived on improving his skills and fellowshipping with friends.
George's life was a testament to his faith and his love for his family. He will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered for his warm heart, vibrant spirit, and the profound impact he had on those around him.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Madge Raney, his parents, Byron & Hollis Raney, his brother Kenneth Raney, son, Mark Raney, and daughter-in-law, Carletta Raney. His legacy is carried on by his son, Noel Raney, Jr., daughters, Bethany Hollomon & Julie O'Bryant (Shannon). Grandchildren: Richard and James Hollomon, Nikki O'Bryant, Jordan Miller (James), Morgan Derrick, (Braeden), Taylor O'Bryant (Jamie), Chad Fenton, Jared Raney (Raven), Andy Harley, and Emma Raney. He has seven great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks donations be made to First Baptist Church of Longview.
© 2026 The Cammack Family - Directors of Funerals. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility