Donald Van Raney, 80, a native of Texas and a resident of Bay Minette for the past 23 years, died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Jan. 14, 1928 in Sinton, Texas, and moved to Santa Monica, Calif., in 1945 after a brief residency in Washington State. He was proud to have served honorably in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of World War II and Korea. He was a great patriot who loved his country.
He retired from Atlantic Richfield Oil Corporation in Los Angeles after working 34 years and becoming the highest ranking executive on the West Coast. After moving to Alabama in 1985, he joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary and served as Commander with the Eastern Shore Flotilla (No. 36) during his tenure there.
He loved working with the Coast Guard and was one of the many heroes who assisted in the rescue of the Amtrak passengers from the train accident at Bayou Canot in 1992. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Bay Minette and up until his illness, enjoyed singing in the choir.
Survivors include his wife, Bonney Raney; two daughters, Bonney (Don) Kimmick of Spanish Fort and Peggy (William) Wilkins of Daphne; son, Donald Van Raney Jr. of Fairhope; six grandchildren, Laura Michelle Wilkins, Heather Noelle Wilkins, Kristen Nicole Kimmick, Donald Van Raney III, Deana Ann Raney and Denise Amber Raney; great-grandchild, Oden Sage Raney; two sisters, Sue Waters of Hillsborough, N.C., and Melva Lou Murphy of Central Point, Ore.; and a brother, Jim Raney of Foley.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13 at First Baptist Church in Bay Minette. Burial will follow at Bay Minette Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Norris Funeral Home, Bay Minette.
