Dr. Ernest L. Raley, 77 years of age was born September 29, 1938 in Millville, FL. He went to be with His Lord early Tuesday morning, December 15th at Northeast Florida Hospice in Fernandina Beach, FL.
He grew up in Bonifay, FL and attended Bethlehem and Bonifay Elementary & High Schools and graduated from Waynesboro, MS High School in 1957. Brother Raley furthered his education by attending Gulf Coast Seminary in Panama City, FL where he earned a Masters in Music Education, Masters in Religious Education, a Doctorate in Theology, and a Doctorate in Religious Education. Brother Raley served in the Army National Guard from units based in: Jackson, AL, Selma, AL, Bonifay, FL, and Marianna, FL.
He spent all of his adult life involved in church ministry. An ordained minister in the Assemblies of God, Dr. Raley pastored: Parker Assembly of God in Panama City, FL, Pilgrim's Rest Assembly of God in Marianna, FL, Harvest Assembly of God in Bainbridge, GA, First Assembly of God in Defuniak Springs, FL, and Northview Assembly of God in Havana, FL. Brother Raley also served as minister of music at First Assembly of God in Marianna, FL and Eastside Assembly of God also in Marianna, FL.
He also spent many years traveling and ministering with family members and various gospel quartets. Vocationally, Dr. Raley had a distinguished sales career working for a variety of companies. He also owned his own businesses for several years.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, A. Lavell Padgett Raley, son E. Craig Raley (Tammy), Sherree Raley Crook (Rev. Rick Crook), four grandchildren: Casie Raley, Chase Raley, Brandon Crook, and Lindsay Crook Robertson; five great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Brother Raley was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Dutch Raley, his mother Ila Raley, and twelve brothers and sisters.
Homegoing services for Dr. Raley will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015 at First Assembly of God Church of Marianna. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens in Marianna, FL. with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.
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