Tommy Leon Raney

Tommy Leon Raney, 62, adoring husband, loving father and grandfather, died September 28, 2008 in Ft. Worth following a brief illness.Tom was born May 9, 1946 in Abilene, one of eight children born to Cleveland and Wanda Luise Austin Raney. He attended schools in Brownwood before graduating from Baird High School in 1964. After graduation. he joined the US Navy Reserves, serving one year before receiving an honorable medical discharge.It was shortly after this time that he met the love of his life, Shirley Robason. In 1966, he would convince her to marry him and move to the DFW Metroplex where they would begin their family. They have now been residents of this area for more than forty years. Tom was a twenty-year employee of the H.E.B. Independent School District where he worked in the maintenance department. He had a gift for being able to fix anything broken and took great pride in his work.More than anything, Tom will be remembered for his Christian character and belief. His Bible was never far away. His charge to his family was found in one of his favorite scriptures, Joshua 24:15. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. He never met a stranger, and always ended his conversations with the phrase, "God Bless You".Tom loved the outdoors, and was proud of the fact that he was a native Texan. He loved to fish, especially at his favorite lake, Lake Brownwood. Even though he had been away for a number of years, he continued to follow his beloved Brownwood Lions High School football team.He was always a doting father. When his boys were young, he was supportive, attending the sporting events in which they were involved. That love continued and grew when his grandchildren arrived. "Poppy", as he was known to them, was always special. He loved the State of Texas, stating often that there was never a reason to leave its' borders. He had an interest in history, especially the civil war. He leaves behind his wife of 42 years; Shirley Robason Raney; sons, Bryan Raney and his wife Teresa, Mark Raney and his wife Amy; grandchildren, Madison, Emma, Mikayla, Miranda and Micah.Also by his siblings, Terry Raney and his wife Pat, Janet Kelly and her husband Clifton, Bobby Raney, Glen Raney, Rodney Raney and his wife Valery and Stacy Raney. He was preceded in death by a son, John; his parents; and a brother, Stevie.Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Guerrero-Dean Funeral Home, 500 E. Main Street in Grand Prairie. Celebration of his life: 10 a.m. Thursday, October 2, 2008 at The Heartland Church in Irving where he was a member, Pastor Dan Dean officiating. Burial: Laurel Land Memorial Park.

Tommy Leon Raney

May 9, 1946 - September 28, 2008