Obituary of Truman Michael Raley

Truman Michael Raley (May 20, 1948 - January 26, 2013) Truman Michael Raley - Columbia, SC Truman Michael "Mike" Raley, PhD, 64, ended his battle with brain cancer on January 26, 2013, at his home in Columbia. A man of great integrity and wit, he will be dearly missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him. Mike was born in Paris, France, and adopted by the late Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Perry Truman and Edna Allen Raley. As an Army brat, Mike traveled the world and developed the principles of loyal dedication, humble servitude, and genuine friendship that followed him wherever he went. After attending the USMA at West Point, Mike served for six years in the Army Reserve. He finished his bachelor's degree in sociology at Augusta College and went on to earn his doctorate in counseling at the University of Georgia. He then served in various counseling and academic roles at Odessa College (TX), the University of South Carolina, and the SC Commission on Higher Education. He ended his 20-year career at the Commission as the Director of Academic Affairs & Licensing. Known for his outgoing friendliness and varied interests, Mike was a natural multi-tasker who dabbled and excelled in hobbies such as shag dancing, auto-cross racing, backpacking, radio-controlled flying, photography, and computers. He enjoyed amateur building and was an avid reader as well. Mike was a frequent volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and an active member of the Capital City Shag Club and the Sportscar Club of America. He also served as the president of his homeowners association for many years and was an ardent supporter of the SC Philharmonic, Columbia City Ballet, American Red Cross, and public education. He is survived by a loving family: daughters Erin Raley Crum (husband Nathan Crum) and Katherine Raley; grandson Nolan Crum; soon-to-be granddaughter; sister Janice Raley Dodson (husband Thomas F. Dodson, MD); nephews Thomas and Michael Dodson (wife Tennille Tracy); niece Amy Dodson Rueffert (husband Carl Rueffert); fiancée Lida Bracy Moore; former wife Nancy Adams Raley; and the family of the late Eugene and Ruth Adams. Visitation will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, at 4 PM on Thursday, January 31. A memorial service celebrating his life will begin at 5 PM with an open reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, Mike requested that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity, 209 S. Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201.