Obituary of Jeffrey Eugene Raley
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Jeff Raley passed away peacefully at the age of 53, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a long, hard battle with lung cancer, but ultimately lost the fight on December 3, 2016. Jeff was born on January 2, 1963, in Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Marguerite Raley and brother, Joseph Pizzitola, Jr. Jeff is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Julie Hodges Raley, and their six precious children Madison, Natalie, Melanie, Emma, Frannie and Ford; his sister Mary Anne Bair and husband Philip and brothers Jimmy Raley and wife Cynthia, John Pizzitola Sr. and wife Peggy, Jerry Pizzitola Sr. and wife Kay, and Janet Pizzitola, widow of Joseph Pizzitola Jr. He is also survived by countless in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews who adored him.
Jeff graduated from North Shore High School in 1981 and advanced to Texas A&M University where he earned a BBA in Accounting in 1985. In addition, he became a licensed CPA, graduated with honors and earned a JD from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1994 and an LLM in Taxation from New York University School of Law in 1995. Jeff practiced law in the areas of Estate and Tax Planning for Cox Smith in San Antonio before moving back home and working for Butler Binion, Baker Botts and finally Haynes and Boone in Houston. He was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, Woodward/White, Inc. for Trusts and Estates, 2014-2017.
Aside from Jeff’s many accolades, family and friends were his top priority. Jeff was a loyal friend who maintained connections with people from all walks of life. His greatest source of joy and fulfillment came from Julie and their children. There is not an aspect of their lives that he was not involved in, and he never missed a game, recital or family event. If he wasn’t the coach, he was in the stands as the biggest cheerleader. His epic sense of humor and nicknames for everyone will undoubtedly live on with those who loved him.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Katherine Pisters, formerly of MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her compassionate treatment and valiant efforts on Jeff’s behalf will not be forgotten.
A memorial service celebrating Jeff’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19th at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay, Houston, Texas 77024.
An education fund for the Raley children has been set up in Jeff’s memory. In lieu of flowers, please make donations payable to Julie Raley with Raley Children’s Education Fund in the memo section. Checks should be mailed to Raley Children’s Education Fund, P.O. Box 440484, Houston, Texas 77244-0484.
