Roger Lee Raney

In Loving Memory of Roger Lee Raney December 9, 1955 – April 10, 2026 Roger Lee Raney, 70, passed away on April 10, 2026. He was born on December 9, 1955, in Madison, Tennessee, to the late Leonard and Wanda (Ausbrooks) Raney. A Life of Adventure and Service Roger moved with his family to Sarasota in 1959 at the age of four. A natural athlete, he attended Riverview High School, where he excelled as both a wrestler and a sprinter. Following graduation, Roger honorably served in the U.S. Air Force before earning his associate degree at the Manatee Community College and later majored in Physical Education at Metropolitan State College of Denver. His athletic prowess continued into his post-college years when he played minor league baseball for the Montreal Expos organization. Roger’s professional life was defined by a desire to help others and a drive to succeed. He began his career as the Principal for the Gulf Coast Marine Institute, working with students facing behavioral challenges. He later transitioned into public service as a Firefighter/Paramedic and eventually concluded his career as a Regional Sales Manager for a credit card processing firm. Passions and Community A lifelong sportsman, Roger grew up playing in the Sarasota Babe Ruth League and later dedicated his time as a Big Brother for the Boys & Girls Club. He found peace in woodworking and fishing with his father, traditions he passed down through cherished outdoor pursuits with his son. In retirement, he remained an avid golfer and a competitive tennis player at the River Strand Country Club. Family and Legacy Left to cherish his memory; his devoted companion and wife of 21 years, Michelle; sons Christopher Lee Raney; and Jorge L. Sotomayor, Jr. and his wife Randi; sister Rita Raney-Butler and her husband Mark; nephew Quint Butler and his wife Jessica; and great nephew Maxwell, as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews and in-laws from his blended family. Roger’s witty, unfiltered outlook on life, his mischievous smile, and his adventurous spirit will be forever missed. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Pines of Sarasota and Discovery Commons ALF of Bradenton for their exceptional care. As Roger would say "Say Goodnight, Gracie!" May he rest in peace. Memorial Information Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roger’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.ALZ.org. Condolences: Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MFHcares.com. Celebration of Life: Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 5 to 8 pm River Strand Golf and Country Club in Bradenton 7155 Grand Estuary Trail Bradenton, FL 34212 Please RSVP to vertassist@icloud.com or text (757) 695-4064

Roger Lee Raney

December 9, 1955 - April 10, 2026