Oakland Cemetery

Madill, Marshall County, Oklahoma

© Watts Funeral Home
Submitted by: Marhta Reddout

Dempsey Don "Donny" Raley, Jr

November 5, 1964 - August 27, 2025

Dempsey Don "Donny" Raley, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Faith Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 60. Donny was born on November 5, 1964, in Madill, Oklahoma, to the late Dempsey Don Raley, Sr. and Veda Clarice Williamson Raley. He was raised in Madill and graduated from Madill High School in 1983. Following high school, he attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma, earning his degree in education and was a trainer for the football, basketball and baseball teams.

In 1987, Donny began his lifelong career in law enforcement with the Madill Police Department as a patrolman. He later served as a juvenile probation and parole officer, working for the Office of Juvenile Affairs for 13 years. During this time, he was promoted to supervisor, overseeing Carter, Love, Murray, and Marshall Counties, while also serving as a Marshall County Reserves Deputy Officer and part-time jailer.

In 2001, Donny joined the Marshall County Sheriff's Office as jail administrator. He later attended the Police Academy, where Donny earned the highest CLEET advanced certification. He was promoted to undersheriff in 2009 and 2010. Though he retired in 2016, Donny quickly returned to service just two days later, accepting a role in community relations and public information. His dedication and leadership led to his promotion as Madill Police Chief on October 10, 2024.

Outside of his career, Donny's greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He often teased his daughters, saying, "If I knew having grandkids was going to be this much fun, I would have had them first."

Donny loved his community deeply. He devoted countless hours to the National Sandbass Festival, where he proudly served as president for more than a decade. He also enjoyed being the voice of Madill athletics, announcing football, basketball, baseball, and track events, including the state track meets, which he especially looked forward to each year.

He was a faithful member of Kingston First Baptist Church and lived a life marked by service, family, and community spirit.

Donny is survived by 2 Daughters: Angie Willingham of Edmond, Oklahoma and Molly LeAnn Raley - Johnson and husband Addison of Madill, Oklahoma 5 Grandchildren: Kalajia Martin, Kiana Willingham, Kiyah Willingham, Hamilton Raley, and Beckett John Johnson. Brothers: Bruce Brown of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Joe Raley and wife Yvonne of Rockledge, Florida. Nieces and nephews: Alexa Raley and Ashton Raley, Baeu Brown and Lindsay Brown, Cody Brown and Summer. Great-nephew: Hayes. He is also survived by his aunt, Lilli Ann Weldon.

Donny was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, Doug Brown, and his grandson, Ledger James Johnson.

Casket Bearers: Bink Stafford, Terry Rushing, Scott Uhlenhake, Jose Chacon, Donald Yow, Kevin Bradbeary, James Fullingim, and Chad Speer.

A video keepsake is available through the funeral home.

VISITATION Watts Funeral Home - Madill Tuesday, September 2, 2025 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM 200 South First Madill, OK 73446

FAMILY HOUR Watts Funeral Home - Madill Tuesday, September 2, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM 200 South First Madill, OK 73446

FUNERAL SERVICE First Baptist Church, Madill Wednesday, September 3, 2025 10:00 AM 210 South 1St Madill, OK 73446

INTERMENT Oakland Cemetery Wednesday, September 3, 2025 221 W Hwy 70 Madill, OK 73446