George Larry Railey

George Larry Railey, 91, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born January 13, 1935, in Columbia, he was a son of the late George Lee Railey and Elizabeth Annie Taylor Railey.

Larry was a 1953 graduate of Dentsville High School and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He enjoyed a long and dedicated career with the railroad, working for Southern Railway which later became Norfolk Southern for more than 40 years as a switchman and conductor. He was a longtime member of the United Trainmen Union. Following his retirement from the railroad, Larry continued serving others as a funeral assistant for over 15 years Greenlawn Funeral Home.

A member of Washington Street United Methodist Church, Larry also enjoyed his involvement with the Shriners. He was a member of the Jamil Shriners in Columbia and was especially proud of the work the organization did to benefit children.

Throughout his life, he valued service, hard work, and the relationships he formed along the way.

Larry and his wife, Martha, shared 62 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories together. He enjoyed fishing. Martha and Larry enjoyed traveling, particularly cruising, visiting Europe, and experiencing the beauty of Alaska while visiting his son. Larry also enjoyed hunting the lowcountry with his younger son in his later years.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his siblings, Harry Curtis Railey and Erma Carolina Railey Best.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Davis Railey; sons, Wilton Davis and his wife, Sherry, of Tennessee, and Thomas Robert Davis of North Carolina; grandsons, William Howell Davis and his wife, Sarah; Brendan Daniel Davis and his wife Ericka; granddaughter Christina Inez Taylor and her husband Jake; Five great-grandchildren; brother, Ronald Eugene Railey of Atlanta, Georgia; and numerous extended family members.

Larry and Martha have been fortunate over the years to have a special relationship with Martha's younger sister Dottie Myers. Dottie has been a friend in times of need and has been a been a shining light in their daily lives for years.

During Larry's time in the United States Marine Corps he made four friends that would remain close for the remainder of their lives. These men were Mike Lopez, Bob Wall, John Ligas and Ed Schneck and along with Larry and their wives they vacationed together over the course of a lifetime. This group was extremely special to Larry. He was the last survivor among the men in the group.

The monthly Norfolk Southern Railroad Retirees Luncheon brought Larry great joy over the years and he held the men and women of the group in the highest esteem. Every one of you touched his heart more than you will ever know.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Bodie, Pete Easler, Bennie Higgins, Tom Malone, Joe McGee, Larry Rainwater, Ronnie Swindler and John Werts.

The family would like to thank Cornerstone Caregiving with most special recognition to Courtney Sandifer. You really made a difference over the last few months.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, with the Rev. Alston Lippert officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM. The committal service with military honors will be held at 12:00 PM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.