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Burton Benedict (Ben) Raley, 87, of Lexington Park, MD passed away surrounded by his loving family on September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC. Born on December 13, 1927 in Callaway, MD, he was the son of the late Rose Marie Price Raley and Harry Hamilton Raley. Ben was the loving husband of the late Frances (Sissie) Raley, whom he married on April 29, 1965 in Leonardtown, MD and who preceded him in death on May 8, 2003. Ben is survived by his children: Debbie Abell (Norbert) of Chaptico, MD, David R. Raley (Sally) of Lexington Park, MD, Judy Bean of Great Mills, MD, Lillian M. Raley-Clarke of Great Mills, MD, Betty Jo Tennyson (Donnie) of Ridge, MD, Chuggy Raley (Christina) of Ridge, MD 20 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, daughter in law Lee Lee of Hermanville, MD, and sister Marjorie Causey of Prince Frederick, MD. He was preceded in death by his son Marvin Raley, daughter Darlene Connelly, siblings; Maude Twiss, Joseph Raley, Genevieve Payne, Ralph Raley, Woodrow Raley, Virginia Lewis, and Harry Raley.
Ben graduated from Great Mills High School in 1944 and was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, MD. Ben served in the United States Army from February, 1946 to April 1947, earning the World War II Victory Medal. Ben started working at PAX River in 1943, at the age of 16, on the trash truck. When he retired in 1974, he was the supervisor of the transportation department. After retirement as a civil servant, he worked with his brother Doc running their own carpentry business. After retiring from carpentry, he worked as a tavern operator, retiring in 2005. Christmas was his favorite holiday. For many years, his house was an extravagant light display for all to see. Family was the most important aspect of his life. Anytime spent with family, was time well spent for him. He loved traveling, cruises and spending time at the lake with Connie. The lake house was where he fed the squirrels and deer, watched the birds, and enjoyed time on the pontoon. Ben enjoyed reading, watching westerns, playing cards and maintaining his yard.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 from5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home chapel with Father Scott Woods officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be: JC Connelly, John Connelly, Eric Wood, Andy Wood, Justin Raley, and Sonie Hubbard. Honorary Pallbearers Dale Abell, Tracy Keen, Melissa Thompson, Becky Griffin, Kathy Wood, Tabatha Bennett, Joshua Hubbard, Kristine Pomory, Angela Tennyson, Elizabeth Long, Hannah Raley, Blake Raley, Brandon Jinnette, and Ayla Keenan. .