Jeffrey Lee Raney

Jeff was born on October 30, 1942, in Columbus, Ohio and was a graduate of Boca Ciega High School, the University of Florida, and the University of Michigan Law School. He worked for many years as a corporate attorney at the Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy law firm in Atlanta. Later, as his interests turned to medical innovation, he served as Secretary, General Counsel and in other executive positions at biotech startups in Florida, Georgia and Maryland, among them GMP Companies, DemeRx and LifeSync.

Jeff was known among family and friends for his self-deprecating sense of humor and practical jokes; his love of sailing; his penchant for tinkering with engines, boats, electric trucks, tractors, and other machinery; his enthusiasm for key lime pie and other favorite treats; his strong work ethic; and most of all, for his devotion to his family. Those who knew him best also knew that beneath his taciturn and sometimes gruff bearing was a sweet and tender heart.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Roy Raney and Alma Raney, and his younger brother Michael B. Raney.

He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Denise Raney; daughters Jen Raney (Ben) and Josie Raney (Brian); stepdaughter Kirsten Rechnitz (Mason), and stepsons Andrew (Joanna) Rechnitz and Michael (Lindsay) Rechnitz; older brother Linn Raney; sisters-in-law Jodie Raney and Nancy (Paul) Struzziero; seven grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Gabriel Harris, Blake Harris, Matilda Lund, Jameson Rechnitz, Greyson Rechnitz, Stella Rechnitz and Annabel Rechnitz; niece Ellen (Andy) Bartz, and nephews Michael Raney (Kaitlin) and Kevin (Maureen) Raney; four great-nieces and three great-nephews; numerous cousins and friends; and his best friend of more than 55 years, Charles Hauser. He is also survived by his first wife and friend, Penelope Raney.

His family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Holy Cross Hospital and Trustbridge hospice for their care and compassion during his final days.

A private farewell ceremony at sea will take place on Monday, May 13, at the Neptune Memorial Reef off Key Biscayne in Miami. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Oceana, or Jobs for the Future.