James Raymond Raleigh, Jr.

James Raymond Raleigh, Jr., age 91, of Mercersburg, PA, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Mercy House in Chambersburg, PA, just hours before his son, James Raymond Raleigh III, to whom he donated a kidney as a child, passed away in the same room. Born in Hot Springs, NC, on March 24, 1934, he was the son of the late James R. Raleigh, Sr. and Caley Gentry Raleigh.

A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Raleigh served honorably in the 511 Airborne Infantry. He was a member of the American Legion and the former VFW, both in Mercersburg, PA. He worked for 32 years, as a truck driver for Ryder Trucking and PIE trucking, where he retired, receiving numerous safe-driver awards. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and music. Earlier in his life, he was a little league coach.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 68 years, Creola Henderson Raleigh, whom he married on June 15, 1957; a daughter, De-Bra R. Blair (husband Kevin) of St. Thomas, PA, and a granddaughter, Me-Daya Blair. He is also survived by his son’s partner, Dawn Heefner, of Chambersburg, PA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven sisters and one brother.

Services and interment will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Inc., Chambersburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Mercy House of Chambersburg, 730 Norland Ave., Chambersburg, PA 17201. Online condolences may be offered on his page at www.geiselfuneralhome.com.