Promoted to Glory: Major Troy Raynor

Major Troy Russell Raynor was Promoted to Glory on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, surrounded by family in his home, after living more than 11 years with Parkinson's Disease.

Troy was born in Four Oaks, N.C. on Aug. 1, 1943 to Roy and Bessie (Allen) Raynor. He was the youngest child to older brothers Ken (Autry) and Jerry.

Troy met The Salvation Army Smithfield, N.C. in fourth grade and became a faithful soldier. During his teenage years, Captains Bill and Jean Wall were a major influence in Troy's life and were instrumental in keeping him in high school and believing he could go to college.

After graduating from Smithfield High School in 1962 and attending East Carolina College, Troy felt a call to Salvation Army officership in December 1962 during an altar call at the Smithfield Corps, where Earl and Edith Reagan were corps officers and mentors.

He attended the School for Officer's Training 1963-65 as a member of the Proclaimers of the Faith session of cadets, where he met Orinda Jane Morgan.

Commissioned to Gastonia, N.C. in June 1965, Troy was then appointed to Asheville, N.C. in June 1966.

Lt. Troy and Lt. Orinda Jane Morgan married on Nov. 5, 1966 at Baltimore Hampden Corps, and they were sent to Winston-Salem Central Corps as Corps Officers.

Troy and Orinda ministered faithfully in corps and headquarters appointments throughout the Southern Territory, including North & South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Florida, and National Capital & Virginia divisions. After Orinda's Promotion to Glory, Troy loyally served at Territorial Headquarters in Atlanta until his retirement on July 1, 2004 after 40 years of service.

Troy married Karen McChesney July 17, 2004 in Iowa City, Iowa, and they lived and worked in Atlanta until January 2006, when they moved to On Top of the World in Ocala, FL. In 2017, Troy and Karen moved to their current home in North Liberty, IA.

Troy enjoyed learning, and after taking college classes in several different appointments, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, graduating Cum Laude from the University of South Florida on April 29, 1989. His other interests included traveling, music, playing late night games of rummy, watching old westerns, baseball and football, and especially cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys.

A modest and earnest man, Troy was happiest surrounded by friends and family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and ‘father figure'  to many. They will most remember him for his wit, dry sense of humor, generosity, and kindness.

Troy is preceded in death by his first wife, Orinda Jane, his parents, both brothers, and a great-grandson.

He is survived by his wife Karen, son Shawn Raynor (Asha), daughter Major Jennifer Melton (Carl), daughter Major Shelley Bell (Zach), stepdaughter Sandra Junge (Steve), stepson Scott McChesney, 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.