Robert âBobâ Allen Raney was born on April 17, 1954 to parents Elbert and Esther Raney in Oxnard, California. On Thursday, January 17, 2019, Bob, a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 64.
Bob is survived by his three daughters, Dawn (Matt), Lauren (Angel), and Niki; his adored sister, Liz; four grandchildren, Morgan, Liam, Rylie, and Aria; his dog and partner-in-crime, Jewelz; and many extended family members. He is predeceased by his parents; his younger brother, John; and wife of 18 years, Carol Chilcott.
Bob was raised in Oxnard, where he attended Channel Islands High School. There, he excelled on the football and baseball teams. He even served as a bass singer in the choir. Together, with his cousin and best friend, Larry Baker, their baseball team won the league championship during his junior year. Bob developed life-long relationships through sports and still kept in touch with many of his teammates and coaches nearly fifty years later. Until recently, his high school friends, dubbed âThe Rat Packâ, took an annual trip to a different city to watch the Super Bowl.
One of Bobâs fondest memories from growing up was attending Los Angeles Rams football games at the LA Coliseum with Larry and John. With his mother waiting in the coliseum parking lot, Bob would, at times, talk his way into the locker room of the opposing team after the game and keep her waiting for hours. He would often recant endearing stories of meeting various players, causing mischief with his two âbrothersâ, and rooting for his beloved LA sports teams.
Bobâs reputation as the life of the party was no secret. For years, he moonlighted as âBoogie Bobâ, a disk jockey spinning the top disco tracks at a local club. At family gatherings, Cousin Bob was usually the center of attention (and maybe, the butt of a joke or two). When the USC Trojans football team was playing, the viewing party was at his house. His extroverted personality was always welcomed and embraced and in turn, his happiness stemmed from the moments he shared with friends and family.
Bobâs relationship with his younger sister, Liz, was unwavering. Growing up, he took pride in his brotherly duty of teasing her. On many occasions, he would get out of school early and steal her car with a duplicate key, forcing her to walk home alone and frustrated. However, when Liz finally made it home, Bob was waiting there with a smile and hug. As time wore on, the two became equals and best friends. They talked frequently and visited many times each year. They celebrated the holidays together in 2018. He loved her and her children very much.
Bob met the love of his life, Carol, in 1978. They married shortly thereafter. A Sacramento native, Carol moved Bob and their three girls north in 1992. His love for Carol was outpaced only by his love for his three girls. He doted on them, protected them, made them laugh, and made them smile. He was their rock and their best friend. Bob quickly took to Sacramento and began a 22-year career with Ozark Trucking. Over that time, he forged life-long friendships at Raleyâs shopping centers throughout California and Nevada. Since Bobâs passing, many coworkers and acquaintances have reached out with heart-warming memories of his charm, quick wit, and friendly nature.
After retiring in 2016, Bob took pleasure in the simpler things in life. He could often be found debating sports, politics, or world events along with âBig Jimâ at the Elk Grove Sports Bar. He mastered the art of wearing a Hawaiian shirt. He sported an impressive Fu Manchu moustache. He traveled with his family, grandchildren, and friends. He relished the inappropriate email forward or Facebook post. He indulged in reality television, discretely, and a finely curated cigar. Above all, though, he appreciated good conversation. He would call his extended family and close friends daily. His voicemails, usually an impersonation or prank call, still exist on countless cell phones; no doubt a reminder of his hilarious sense of humor.
Bob will be remembered as a good man, honest family member, and loyal friend with endless love for life. Although he left us too soon, his memory will live on. We smile knowing that he is looking down from Heaven, still rooting for his cherished LA Rams with his brother John. Most importantly, we take peace knowing that he is his finally reunited, and likely laughing, with his parents, his brother, and Carol.
Bobâs service will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 2pm at East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial Park. 9189 East Stockton Blvd, Elk Gove, CA 95624.