George Raley

Rev. George H. Raley, 71, of Calmer (Cleveland County), died Monday morning, April 7, 2008, at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. A native of Lincoln County, Rev. Raley was born September 8, 1936 to the late Oscar and Pauline Raley. He graduated high school in Gould, received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arkansas and a Master in Bible Languages degree from the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock.

Rev. Raley served as a pastor and campus minister for more than 50 years. He pastored Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church of Winchester; Enon Missionary Baptist Church of Rye; Grace Missionary Baptist Church of Jonesboro; Oaklawn Missionary Baptist Church of Hot Springs; First Missionary Baptist Church of Sherrill; and Central Missionary Baptist Church of Fayetteville. He also served as Director of the Missionary Baptist Student Fellowships at Arkansas State University of Jonesboro and Henderson & Ouachita Universities of Arkadelphia.

Bro. Raley was honored to have served as Moderator of the State Association of Missionary Baptist Churches of Arkansas in 1974 and 1975. He also served as President of the American Baptist Association in 2001 and 2002.

Bro. George loved people and filled his 71 years with a full life. He enjoyed deer hunting with his family and friends, particularly on his farm in Drew County. He traveled extensively across the United States and around the world visiting with friends wherever he might be. He enjoyed snow skiing in New Mexico and particularly had a passion for riding four-wheelers with his grandchildren.

He loved the Arkansas Razorbacks and enjoying attending ball games in Little Rock and Fayetteville. While pastoring in Fayetteville he enjoyed meeting and visiting with several of the Razorback coaches.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Eloise Knight Raley; three children and their spouses, Kathy & David Smoke of White Hall; Susan & Mark Curry of Hot Springs; and Bruce & Donna Raley of Gallatin, Tennessee. Other survivors include grandchildren, Jennifer & Andy Almand; Josh Smoke; Caleb Smoke; Raley Curry; Rob Curry; Patrick Raley; and Sarah Raley. Bro. Raley is also survived by one brother, Howard & Linda Raley of Gould.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Center Missionary Baptist Church of Rowell (Cleveland County) with Rev. Doney Blackerby, Rev. Bruce Raley, Rev. Ken Ashlock, and Rev. Freddie Holmes officiating. Burial will follow at Drake Cemetery in Star City. Pallbearers will be grandsons. The visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Center Missionary Baptist Church of Rowell.

The family has requested that memorial gifts be sent to Center Missionary Baptist Church, 60 Cole Road, Rison, Arkansas 71665 or the Missionary Baptist Seminary, 5224 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204.

Arrangements are by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City.