Alex Hart Raley Sr.

Alex Hart Raley Sr. COLUMBIA - A memorial service for Alex Hart Raley, Sr. will be held at Washington Street United Methodist Church, Columbia, at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 4, 2013. Visitation will be held after the service in Threatt Hall. A private interment service will precede the memorial service. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is in charge. Born in Dothan, Ala., Alex was the son of Frank Allen Raley, Sr. and Effie Hart Raley. He attended the public schools in Donalsonville, Georgia, received the Bachelor of Science degree from Troy University, the Master of Arts and Doctor of Education degrees from Columbia University, and the Educational Specialist degree from the University of South Carolina. Alex served in the U. S. Army in Korea from 1954 to 1956. He taught in the public schools of West Orange, NJ, before moving to Columbia where he held several administrative positions in the Richland County School District One, retiring as Deputy Superintendent. Alex was an active member of the Washington Street United Methodist Church serving in many capacities throughout the years, including singing in the Sanctuary Choir for 46 years. Alex enjoyed being a Rotarian, a second career in real estate and an active poet, winning the South Carolina Poet of the Year award in 2006. Alex is survived by his wife of 49 years, Arletta Helfrich Raley of Columbia, their daughter Jennifer Raley Rodgers of Charlotte, NC, and their son, A Hart Raley, Jr. and his wife Roslyn Worley Raley of Athens, GA; super grandsons, Charles Michael Rodgers, Jr. and Alexander Vance Rodgers; and precious granddaughter, Norah Jane Raley; his wonderful sister Anne Raley Hughes, and a family reunion full of cousins, nieces, nephews, his special cousin, Annie Katherine Bartlett, all of whom were dear to his heart. He also leaves friends who love you in both the ups and the downs of life. The family wishes to express appreciation to the following: Dr. Marsh Willis, Dr. Dan Bouknight, Dr. David Perry, Dr. Leslie Stuck, and Dr. Frederic Smith; the nursing staff of the Providence Hospital and care givers Doris English, Beverly Frazier, Thelma Neal and others, without whom many miracles and memories over the last year would not have been realized. Memorials may be made to the Washington Street United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir, 1401 Washington Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.