He was 80 years old. Bill was born on April 7, 1944, to William Arthur Raley and Mary Lucille Stone in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1961 where he ran the Stat and Log Office and was a proud member of the Admiral's Ski Team. In the summer of 1963, following his enlistment, he met Barbara Ellen Thomson at her parents’ KFC. They wed shortly after on December 28, 1963 and celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage on December 28,2023.
Bill spent time as an avid pilot and deep sea fisherman. He maintained a passion for restoring vehicles, specifically his prized “Lady Katie” 1956 Chevy pickup truck. He passed on his love of Hot Rod’s to his son, Billy, and grandchildren, Hunter and Cassidy. He enjoyed cheering on his World Champion granddaughter, Hannah, at her CSMA mounting shooting competitions. His real passion for life was spending time with his family. Later in life he found great joy in the companionship of his beloved Shiba Inu, “Shebie” with whom he is now undoubtedly reunited.
In 1977, Bill was responsible for securing the necessary votes and permits to open the first beer and wine store in Plano, Texas. Beginning in 1980, he became a commercial real estate developer across the metroplex. His last venture was as owner/operator of Devards HVAC Corporation until 2008 which remains in operation today. Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara; his three children, daughters Mari (Jim) Raley-Vrasic, granddaughter Katie (Justin) Stephens,their sons Grant and Luke, Beth (Peter) Fischer, their daughter Hannah Raley Fischer, and son, William (Stacy) Raley, Jr.; and their son Hunter and daughter, Cassidy. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Doug Raley of Florida and Dennis Raley of Arkansas.
“He was a great man, someone who taught me everything I needed to know for the rest of my life.” -Hunter Raley
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 2PM at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1201 Alma Dr. Plano, Texas 75075. Burial will ensue at the Plano Mutual Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a financial contribution in memory of Bill to Hope’s Door New Beginnings Center in Plano and the Gary Sinese Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TedDickeyFuneral.com for the family.
Arrangements by Ted Dickey Funeral Home.
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