SMSGT. Jess S. Raley, USAF

August 8, 1940 - February 8, 2018

Senior Master Sargent Jess Samuel Raley, United States Air Force, age 77, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at the Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital, located in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on August 8, 1940 in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Jess attended Fort Gibson High School where he was known as Sammy. He participated in basketball, music, baseball and FFA. He graduated from High School in 1959 and served in the United States Air Force for 26 years from 1960 through 1986. He is a Vietnam Veteran serving 2 tours in Vietnam. After military service, he worked Civil Service at Laughlin Air Force Base from 1989 through 2006. He was a Flight Line Flight Chief for the T-38 aircraft, T-1 aircraft and a Superintendent for the T-6 aircraft. He loved all outdoor sports, especially hunting, fishing and bow fishing. He served as a member of the big Friendly Bass Club and the Rio Grande Bass Club and was a member of the first archery club in Del Rio, the Del Rio Bowhunters Association. He loved family gatherings where he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and was always present at their activities such as birthday parties, baseball, basketball games and concerts. He is preceded in death by his parents Cassie Mae Boling Raley and Samuel Lester Raley. Family members left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 27 years, Maria Raley. Daughter Leah Chavez of Boise, Idaho. Sons: Adrian Vilarreal (Patty), Andy Villarreal (Jane) of Del Rio. Brother: Robert Raley (Beverly) of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Grandchildren: Christopher and Steven Chavez of Boise, Idaho, Logan and Luke Villarreal, Jena and Adan Villarreal of Del Rio. Great Grandson: Jaxxon Chavez Boise, Idaho. Nephews: Carter Raley (Monica) of Allen, Texas and Josh Raley (Jessica) of Dallas, Texas. Grandnieces, Madison of Allen, Texas,Ella & Emily of Dallas, Texas. Close friends: Thomas “Tom” Berny (Maria) and Jerry Goodwin (Supap) of Del Rio. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Trinity Chapel of Faith. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Moreno officiating. Pallbearers will be: Robert Raley, Carter Raley, Josh Raley, Adrian Villarreal, Andy Villarreal, Thomas Berny, Jerry Goodwin Honorary Pallbearers will be: Big Friendly Bass Club Members A Graveside Burial will be on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., in San Antonio, Texas. Full military honors will be rendered by the United States Air Force. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Trinity Mortuary, 206 Kings Way, Del Rio, Texas. For more information you may reach us at 830.775.2230. Tradition. Tribute. Trust.