Malachi Lee Raley, age 26, of Rinard, Illinois, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022.

      He was born October 4, 1995, in Flora, the son of Don C. Raley and Michelle Ann Dulaney.

      Malachi was a 2014 graduate of Flora High School and was an Illinois State Scholar, having appeared in the book “Who’s Who of American State Scholars”.  He played on the football team all four years of high school, the tennis team for 3 years, and was a performer in the High School Drama Club.  He later graduated from Olney Central College.  He enjoyed collecting rocks and old coins, fishing, Sudoku, swords, playing chess, and video games.  Malachi had a big heart and would always stop to help a turtle cross the street.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

      He is survived by his mother: Michelle Dulaney of Flora; father: Don Raley of Rinard; twin brother: Gideon Raley of Rinard; sister: Katelynn Hilliard of Charleston; maternal grandmother: Teresa “Granny” Tolliver of Flora; maternal grandfather: Frank “Pa” Branom Jr. of Independence, Missouri; paternal grandparents: Ronnie “Papaw” and Carol Raley of Rinard; great-grandmother: Linda Chadwell of Flora; aunt: Marla (Todd) Jenney of Canton, Georgia; uncle: Ronnie Raley Jr. of Rinard; great-aunts: Sondra Dulaney and Shirley Hays, both of Flora; and many other great-aunts, great-uncles, family, and friends.

      He was preceded in death by his step-grandfather: John Tolliver; and 2 uncles: Matt Branom and Greg Raley.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora.  Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses or Flora High School Drama Club and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com