A fitting farewell: Raney’s final journey made in the ambulance he helped build
Last Saturday, the casket of longtime Ozark County Ambulance Administrator Stacy Raney was carried to its final resting place inside the ambulance he helped design and order three years ago before he was diagnosed with an aggresive brain cancer that led to his death May 12.
Stacy Raney
Emergency responders from a variety of different agencies gathered last Saturday to honor longtime emergency medical services leader Stacy Raney, 56, of Ava, who died May 12, 2026, at his home surrounded by family after a battle with Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.
His funeral brought together first responders, law enforcement, and neighboring ambulance services in a powerful show of respect for a man whose life’s work was dedicated to serving others.
The procession and service reflected the wide-reaching impact Raney had across the region. The South Howell County Ambulance stepped in to cover Ozark County’s ambulance calls that afternoon so Raney’s local co-workers could all attend the funeral. Willow Springs Ambulance assisted with traffic control, while the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop G provided escort duties and Ozark County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers delivered Raney’s emotional “last call” over the radio, final tribute honoring his long and dedicated career in service to this community.
Air Evac Lifeteam 12 performed a flyover as a sign of respect for Raney’s many contributions to the field, and the Missouri Color Guard took part in the ceremony.
Maybe one of the most fitting details of the ceremony was that Raney was transported to his final resting place in a newly completed Ozark County ambulance, which he designed and ordered three years ago while he was still serving as administrator. It arrived just days before the service, a meaningful final journey.
Raney spent decades serving area residents through emergency medical services and was widely known throughout the county for his dedication to the Ozark County Ambulance District and the people it serves.
Raney’s career in EMS spanned more than three decades. He earned his EMT license in 1992 and became a licensed paramedic in 1998. Before becoming administrator of the Ozark County Ambulance District in 2018, he had already spent years serving on ambulance crews in Willow Springs and Ozark County, including working for the former Ozarks Medical Center ambulance service.
An Oct. 17, 2018, Ozark County Times article announcing his appointment as administrator noted that Raney had worked for the district for more than 13 years and had served as interim operations manager before accepting the position permanently Sept. 11 of that year.
Throughout his years with the district, Raney oversaw numerous improvements and periods of growth, including the transition into the district’s new ambulance base after the former headquarters was condemned because of mold issues. Under his leadership, the district added staff members, ambulances, equipment and expanded services aimed at better meeting the needs of Ozark County residents.
In recognition of his years of dedication and service, the Ozark County Ambulance District recently renamed its ambulance building “The Raney Base.”
The district crews extended care and respect throughout the funeral, noting their attention to detail in preparing vehicles and honoring Raney’s family.
Outside of work, Raney enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, camping, boating and spending time outdoors. He attended Ava Assembly of God Church for several years and was saved at a young age.
He is survived by his wife, Angie; his parents; six children; six grandchildren; and several other family members and friends. A full obituary can be found on page 14.