Joseph D. "Randy" Laney

The Lord gave Randy Laney a great love of and appreciation for sports, and he spent most of his life participating in, writing about and enjoying sporting events, especially those involving his daughter or grandsons and their teammates, NASCAR or the Clemson Tigers. Joseph D. "Randy" Laney of Macon, GA, went to be with the Lord August 20, 2017, at home, with his loving wife and daughter at his side. Born to Billy Helen and Joseph Wilson Laney on October 2, 1947, in Columbia, SC, Randy and his beloved and devoted brother Paul grew up in Pageland, SC, and Charlotte, NC. It was in Pageland that Randy met and married his sweetheart and love of his life, Ann Jenkins Laney. Randy graduated from Pageland High School and USC as a journalism major on a SC Press Association Scholarship. Randy's professional career earned him numerous state and national writing awards in his positions as Motor Sports Editor, Sports Writer and SC News Editor at The State newspaper. His two decades with The State were followed by eleven years of Motor Sports Public Relations, marketing and hospitality in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series for companies such as Kodak, Maxwell House, Ford Quality Care, Citgo, Plasti-Kote, Hendrick Motor Sports, Heinz and Folgers. Upon retirement, Randy and Ann moved to Macon, GA, to be closer to family and were welcomed by a supportive and caring community. Kayaking, attending sporting events and participating in every possible activity with his beloved grandsons were some of Randy's favorite pastimes. He enjoyed his service as president of the National Motorsports Press Association. He was a member of First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Rock Hill, SC. Randy was known for his quick wit and his ability to weave a story and pull a prank. He was honest, dependable, accurate, and paid great attention to detail. Randy had the gift of building and maintaining enduring relationships. Randy is survived by his wife Ann; daughter, Shannon Laney McCormick (Kent); grandsons, Joseph Scott McCormick, William Kent McCormick, John Laney McCormick; brother, Paul Sherwood Laney D.V.M. (Rose); sister-in-law Barbara Williamson (Chuck); and beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be Friday, August 25, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Hart's at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia 31210. A memorial service honoring Randy's life will be held Saturday, August 26, 2017, 3 pm at his home church, First ARP of Rock Hill in South Carolina with a visitation following. The family wishes to thank all of Randy's kind and compassionate therapists, caregivers and Pine Pointe Hospice. Memorials may be made to Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC 27317. Please sign the online registry at www.hartsmort.com. Harts at the Cupola has charge of the arrangements.

Visitation to follow memorial service.