Mr. Willie Ray Risner was born to the late Howard and Alma Lynn Keeton Risner in Iron City, TN on September 20, 1931. He passed from this life on May 30, 2023 at the Waynesboro Health and Rehabilitation Center in Waynesboro, TN, making his stay in this life some 91 years 8 months and 11 days.
Mr. Risner was united in marriage to the former Sonia Sanchez on December 7, 1954 and remained married until her passing on September 17, 2004. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from January 1951 until December of 1954. While serving his country, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. After his time in the service, he worked as a Cape Range Support Supervisor at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Kennedy, Florida, and also worked as a realtor. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Collinwood and the Collinwood American Legion, Post 254, and enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends.
Mr. Willie is survived by his son, Byron Risner and wife Pat of Richmond Hill, GA; daughters, Jennifer Johnston and husband Don of Titusville, FL and Cynthia Redko of Greenville, SC; brother Doyle Fay Risner and wife Janet; and sister, Patsy Ruth Risner both of Collinwood, TN. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Amanda Risner, Kenneth Risner, Connor Johnston, and Carlee Redko.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeffery Risner and a grandson, Joshua Jones Risner.
Funeral services were held on Thursday June 1st at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Collinwood with David Byrd officiating. Interment will follow at LaGrange Cemetery in Titusville, Fl. on Friday, June 9, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be given to the Collinwood American Legion Post 254, P.O. Box 315, Collinwood, TN 38450.
Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation is honored to serve the Risner family.
