W. Eugene "Gene" Raley

Funeral services for Mr. W. Eugene “Gene” Raley will begin at 10:00 am Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Causeyville Baptist Church with the Reverends Bill Webb and Dr. Wayne Riley officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Raley, 91, Meridian, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at his home in Causeyville.

Mr. Gene was born in Causeyville and was a member of Central Baptist Church, formerly Southside Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years, as well as numerous capacities through the years. Gene was the owner and operator of Loans, Inc. which he founded in 1966 in Meridian and a branch in Newton in 1992. Mr. Raley was also a co-founder and a past President of the Meridian Loan Exchange. Gene was also a Shriner, a 32 ^nd degree Mason, and an active member of the Hummingbird Investment Club; he was also a member of the board of directors of Anderson Regional Medical Center for 38 years. Gene was also a veteran of the US Army where he served in the Korean War.

In his retirement Gene enjoyed spending time on the family farm where he was born and raised. He enjoyed working with his cattle and his farm equipment. This was his slice of heaven on earth before he entered the gates of Heaven.

Mr. Raley is survived by his wife of over 69 years, Charlene Raley; children, Stan Raley (Shirley), Cheryl Barron (Bill), and Scott Raley (Suzanne). Grandchildren, Jann-Michael Barron, Ashley Garrison (Curren), Travis Raley (Stephanie), and McKenzie Raley. Great-grandchildren Parker McDaniels and Barron Garrison. Sister Glenda Rutledge; brother Wayne Raley (Cathy); Special friends Gina Sowers and Teresa Eakes, JoAnne Chaney, and Jessica Lee as well as a host of extended family members.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents Willie Jefferson and Inez Raley; brothers, Bobbie Raley and Laverne Raley; and brother-in-law, Harold Rutledge.

The family suggests memorials be made as donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or your church of choice in lieu of flowers.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.robertbarhamffh.com .

The Raley family will receive guests from 9:00 until 9:45 at the church prior to funeral rites. Following the graveside services, Lunch will be provided at the church for family and friends catered by Olive Garden.