09/04/2025
William Michael “Mike” Raney
February 9, 1953 – August 29, 2025
William Michael “Mike” Raney entered his heavenly home on August 29, 2025, at the age of 72.
Mike was born on February 9, 1953, in Ruleville, Mississippi, to William Arthur “Buddy” Raney and Ruby Nell Raney. He grew up in the quiet Delta towns of Mississippi with his two brothers and sister, where he spent much of his youth on the little league ball fields, igniting a lifelong love of sports.
A proud graduate of North Sunflower Academy, Mike was affectionately known as “Captain.” During his senior year, he was voted Best All-Around Athlete and Mr. NSA, and he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America. Mike played on all the school’s sports teams—baseball, basketball, football—and even ran track.
After high school, he began his career at Noel Industries in Ruleville. In 1985, he was transferred to Kingston, Jamaica, where he worked as the Quality Manager for the warehouse. It was there, in April 1987, that he met Antoinette, who worked in the company’s accounting department. They dated for about a year before Mike moved back to the U.S.
In April 1992, a friend spotted Antoinette in traffic and told her that Mike had been trying to reconnect—leaving his number with several people in hopes of finding her again. She called him in August, and soon after, he made his first visit back to Jamaica. That visit rekindled their connection, and Mike returned monthly until April 1994, when he proposed. Just two months later, on June 4, 1994, they were married.
Mike continued working with Musson Jamaica, Ltd., and their greatest joy came on June 27, 1997, when they welcomed their son, Julian Roberto Raney. From that day forward, Julian was the center of Mike’s world. Together as a family, they enjoyed beach days, kicking the soccer ball, and a joyful life in Jamaica.
In 2001, the family moved to Southaven, Mississippi, where Mike worked in Quality Control, and Antoinette became a flight attendant. Julian, of course, became the "soccer king," and Mike and Antoinette never missed a chance to cheer him on from the sidelines. No matter where life took them, soccer—and family—remained at the heart of their home.
In 2014, Mike began showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Over the next 11 years, he was lovingly cared for by Antoinette and Julian, who dedicated themselves fully to ensuring his comfort, dignity, and happiness. Their devotion to Mike never wavered, and he was surrounded by love until his final breath.
Mike will be remembered for his warmth, humor, deep love for his family, and ability to make a friend anywhere he went. He was a proud supporter of the Florida Gators and always brought a sense of joy to those around him.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Antoinette Raney, and their beloved son, Julian Roberto Raney; his sister, Joy Raney Brooks (Larry) of Hernando; brother Dale Raney (Kim) of Coldwater; five nieces, two nephews, many great-nieces and nephews, and two great-great nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Buddy and Ruby Nell Raney; grandparents, Dewey and Sally White and Arthur Eli and Lillie May Raney; and one brother, Glen Fleetwood.
A gathering to remember and celebrate Mike’s life will be held on
October 4th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
(Address available upon request)
Please RSVP by email to rbrooks50@comcast.net.