William Leland Raley Jr.

William Leland "Bill" Raley Jr., beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025. Born in Monroe, North Carolina, to William Leland Raley Sr. and Mary Magdalene Lee Raley, Bill spent his early life in Jefferson, South Carolina, shaped by the values of the small community. To those in Jefferson, he was known as "WL," after his father. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Bill served in the United States Air Force before returning home to run the family business, Raley Furniture and Appliance, for over 40 years. He was known for his integrity, warmth, and dedication to his community. In 1967, Bill married Kathryn Rowens of Charlotte, North Carolina. Together, they shared a long and eventful life, living in Pageland, Hartsville, and North Litchfield, South Carolina. Their partnership spanned more than five decades and was marked by shared interests, especially their dedication to coastal conservation and community service. A man of faith, Bill was a long-time member of All Saints Anglican Church in Pawleys Island, where he was actively involved in volunteer and pastorate groups. He was passionate about sea turtle conservation, serving as co-coordinator of the North Litchfield Sea Turtle team where he tended more than 100 nests over the years. He was also involved in the Hobcaw Barony Natural Reserve. Bill enjoyed fishing, shelling, and supporting Kathy's creative pursuits-from gardening to decorating. His hearty laugh will be remembered by all who knew him. After Kathy's passing in 2021, Bill was blessed to reconnect with a childhood friend, Jane Hansmann. Their loving companionship brought comfort and adventure in his later years. He is survived by his sons: Patrick (Sobeth) of Augusta, GA; Michael (Ashley) of Greensboro, NC; and James (Alyshia) of Charlotte, NC; and grandchildren: William (Ashley) of Knoxville, TN; Mary-Kathryn of Hoboken NJ; Alex of Raliegh, NC; and Davis of Chapel Hill, NC. A memorial service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, Pawleys Island, on Saturday, October 4th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sea Turtle Care Center at the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, SC, honoring Bill's love for the coast and its wildlife. The Downtown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.