Terry Raley

Terry Raley, 56, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2020, at home with family surrounding him.

Terry was born March 30, 1964 in Bad Cannstatt (Berlin), Germany. He met his loving wife Lisa in 1991 and they were united in marriage on August 31, 1995. Lisa and Terry were best friends, often seen teasing each other but always with that little sparkle in their eyes. Their love was rare and special, guiding them through the most difficult moments over the past few months.

Terry’s career with Valspar spanned 21 years.

Terry, lovingly known as “Big Block”, never knew a stranger. He treated everyone he met with the same respect that he would a life-long friend. You would never hear a negative word come out of his mouth about anyone. He was loyal, loving, and the best friend anyone could ask for. He was a gentle giant and was loved by many.

Terry's granddaughter Emmie-Lou was his world. From the day she started school, he was the last person she saw before entering the building and the first person she saw when she got out. Their faces would light up at the sight of each other. When Terry became too ill to continue their special routine, he would sit inside watching out the window from his chair for her school bus to pull up each day, not willing to miss out on a moment or let her down in any way.

Terry never thought he could love a little person as much as he loved his Emmie-Lou…until his little side-kick Tucker came around. Tucker renewed Terry's smile and his spirit. He would just smile and laugh when Tucker would run around the house yelling for his “Pop-Pop”. Terry had such a special place in his heart for his little man Tucker.

Terry fought Cancer with the unbelievable strength that we all knew him for. Our “Big Block” is no longer in pain and has begun his new journey in Heaven. Letting him go was more difficult than words can express but the thought of his suffering coming to an end brings us solace. We smile through our tears knowing that he is joining his son Vince who he has missed dearly for so many years. As a family of strong Faith, we believe that although we needed Terry here with us, God must have needed him more.

Terry is preceded in death by his mother, Erika Raley; his father, Howard Raley; his son, Vincent Raley, brother-in-Law, Tony McLaughlin and his father-in-Law, Earl McLaughlin.

Terry is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Jean Raley; son Michael Raley; son Tyler Raley and daughter Sammantha Raley. He is also survived by his sister, Iris Raley; brother, Stephen Raley; mother-in-law, Jeannie McLaughlin; brother-in-law, Rocky McLaughlin and wife Christa; brother-in-law, Vince McLaughlin and wife Jessica; nieces and nephews, Darrion, Gracie, Josh, Maycie, Drew, Vincent, Josie, Levi, Cody, Darien, David Jr. and Jamie. He also leaves two grandchildren he adored: Emmie Lou Raley and Tucker Raley.

Services and visitation will be open to all friends and family. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a service celebrating Terry's life at 3:00 pm, on Saturday, November 28, at Lawson Assembly of God, 527 West Sixth Street, Lawson, MO 64062.

“Family Chain”
We little knew that morning,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you,
you are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

Services and visitation will be open to all friends and family. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a service celebrating Terry’s life at 3:00 pm, on Saturday, November 28, at Lawson Assembly of God, 527 West Sixth Street, Lawson, MO 64062.