Walter "Gator" Ray Raney

Walter "Gator" Ray Raney, a beloved father, brother, family member, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, at 54 years old, surrounded by family, and leaving behind a lifetime of memories and countless people who loved him. He was a true free spirit; he had a way of getting along with anyone he met and had a gift for making people feel like family. Walter was the kind person, one who could fix or build just about anything he set his mind to, always willing to lend a hand when someone needed him.

 If not helping a hand, he was found keeping busy working on his truck, or enjoying the outdoors, appreciating the beauty of the Shawnee forest. He was also the family goofball, the one who could make everyone laugh, even when life was difficult. His humor, personality, and ability to bring light into a room will be deeply missed. Family meant everything to him. While he loved his own family dearly, he had a way of making everyone around him feel like they belonged. Walter never needed a reason to call someone family, if he loved you, you were family. He is remembered for his love of catfishing, his kind spirit, an innate joy in craftsmanship, and most of all, the way he made people feel like family. Though he's no longer here with us, the memories he gave us will remain forever.

Walter is survived by his children, Tara Raney, Rachel McGhee, Summer Stallings, and Justin Raney; his sisters, Cathy Garrett, June Martin, and Tammy Brooks; his brothers, Bruce Hayes, Gary Dean Raney Jr., and Johnny Raney; his grandchildren, Reyghlynn, Jackson, Jason, Alyiah, Zoe, Cameron, Aydan, Hazel, Mckenna, Lille, Tatum, and Connor; close friends, Brian Ball, Rock Steele, Vin Steele, and Claire Brown; along with his nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends who loved him dearly.

He was proceeded in death by mother, Betty (Smith) Raney; his father, Gary Raney; his stepfather of 10 years, Frank Shreve; and son, Brandon McCollum.

A celebration of Walter "Gator" Raney's life will be held by his family at a later date.

"Rest easy, Dad. You were loved, you are missed, and you will always be a part of us." - Tara Raney