Jackson Educator, Military Leader, passed

Edgar “Ed” Raleigh, a long-time principal and member of the Kentucky National Guard, died in Danville on June 14.

He was 93.

Raleigh’s career spanned decades in the Breathitt County School System, where he served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and later Director of Buildings and Grounds.  He served many years as the administrator of LBJ Elementary before his move to the Central Office in 1990.

The son of Cale and Evalee (Combs) Raleigh, Raleigh was born at Wolfcoal and attended the Raleigh (Figure Beech) School in his early years.  He completed his high school diploma at Breathitt High School and the Highland Institute.  After graduation, Raleigh joined the United States Air Force and the Central Intelligence Agency.

While stationed at Washington, D.C., he met Anna Rose McClung.  The two were married and moved to Richmond, where Raleigh completed his Rank 1.  Raleigh was hired to teach in the Breathitt County School System and worked for thirty-two years before retiring.  He also worked for Lees College. 

Raleigh is also remembered for his long career as a member of the Kentucky National Guard.  Raleigh served the state as a member of a guard unit for 34 years until his retirement at the rank of Colonel.  He commanded the local unit from 1961 to 1971.  

He was honored in 1987 with the prestigious Kentucky National Guard’s Legion of Merit Award for his service to the Guard.  He was cited for his “exceptional meritorious service” as a Second Army Director, service in the Area II Selective Service Headquarters, and his efforts to train local selective service boards.

“No man is more dedicated to the National Guard than my good friend, Ed Ralegh,” Major Billy G. Wellman said in 1986.  “We owe him a debt of gratitude for his long and faithful service.”  Wellman called Raleigh “Mr. National Guard in Breathitt County.” 

He served many years as an elder in the Presbyterian Church and had perfect attendance for over 25 years at Jackson Kiwanis Club meetings.  He was also a former President of the Breathitt County Jaycees and helped establish the Kiwanis Park.  Raleigh also served one term on the Jackson City Council.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 18, and he will be buried in the Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville.

Raleigh left his wife, three children, many other relatives, and a community behind to mourn his passing.