Edward Raney Jr.
Published 8:58 pm Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Edward Raney Jr., 80, of Suffolk died Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at the Hampton Veterans Hospital. He was the son of the late Edward and Lucille (Turpin) Raney. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Edward “Hal” Raney III and Ras Raney, a.k.a. Darrell Ross, and their mother, Alease (Harris) Raney Epps; and a brother-in-law, Larry Garland.
As a teenager, he placed first and third in the state for the General Motors “Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild” model automobile contest. His winning models included bullet shaped bumpers, double headlights and unique taillights, which influenced the design of the GM ‘50s-era classic cars. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and attended Virginia State University. He served in the United States Army and worked at Douglas Aircraft in California illustrating missiles and at Packard Motor Car Company designing hubcabs.
He leaves to cherish his memory his siblings, George Raney (Deidre), of Bellefontaine, Ohio; and Robert Raney and Rosalind Garland, both of Suffolk; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2103, at Carver Memorial Cemetery with Bishop Leslie Harper officiating. Harris Funeral Home has been entrusted with the service. You may send condolences to the family at www.vharrisfuneralhome.com.