Bobby James Raley's Obituary
Our beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather “Coolpa”, Bobby James Raley passed away Thursday evening, March 3, 2022. He was born November 26, 1941, in Clifton, Arizona, as the only child born to Sam and Tommie Raley. He attended schools in Cliff, New Mexico, and then went on to get a Master's Degree at NAU in Criminal Justice. He worked at the Department of Public Safety for the state of Arizona in many facets. Upon retiring from the DPS he began a new career serving our country as an agent with the Central Intelligence Agency. Bobby married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Kartchner in 1960. Bobby and Carolyn were blessed with three children, Marshal (Michelle) Raley, Bobby Jr. (deceased), and Richard (Kendra) Raley. They have also been blessed with 5 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: Jordan (Katherine), Blake (Bethany) Treyson, Lexie, James, Ruby, April, Henry, Olive and Luke. Bobby loved Carolyn and each member of his family and was so proud of them all. He and Carolyn loved to spend time with their children and grandchildren and enjoyed many family gatherings. He kept in touch with all of his grandchildren throughout the years with special handwritten letters, emails, and souvenirs picked up in his travels. He taught his children the value of hard work, and he provided a good life for his family. Bobby loved to ride his Harley, fish, shoot guns, sky dive and the beauty he found in nature as he was able to travel the world. He enjoyed telling jokes and could making everyone laugh. He made friends easily and valued the friendships he made. He made a profound impact on all who had the pleasure of spending time with him. He has been a great influence for good for all of his posterity. He was preceded in death by his parents. He will be greatly missed.
Private Memorial Services will be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sunday, March 13, 2022.
Graveside services will be at the Gila, New Mexico Cemetery on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 10:00 AM.
What’s your fondest memory of Bobby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bobby?
Share a story where Bobby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bobby you’ll never forget.
How did Bobby make you smile?