Moragne “Ranny’ Alexander Whitney Jr., 82, of Sautee Nacoochee passed away July 13, 2022.
He was born April 5, 1940, in Coral Gables, Fla., and was the son of Moragne Alexander Whitney Sr. and Margaret Sinkler Whitney. Ranny attended the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Fla.
Ranny married Cynthia Geer Smith, now deceased, on Dec. 27, 1961.
Ranny was preceded in death by his wife and his eldest son, Moragne Alexander (MA) Whitney III. He is survived by his daughter, DuGue Whitney Zion of Camden, S.C.; and his youngest son, Geer Whitney of Selma, Ala.
Through the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ranny worked as President and Director of Whitney Steel Corporation which was started by his father in 1947.
In 1973, Ranny and Cynthia brought their family to Lake Burton where they purchased and became the proprietors of Cherokee Landing Marina where he focused on the boat repair portion of the business.
In 1976, Ranny, his wife, Cynthia, and family friend Mason Whitney, founded the Lake Burton Fireworks to celebrate the United States Bicentennial. This annual July 4th celebration continues today every year for the residents of Lake Burton.
During his time on Lake Burton, Ranny also became involved in the local volunteer fire department. His experience and dedication from this lead him to be instrumental in creating the Wildcat Volunteer Fire Department on Lake Burton where he held the position of Captain for over 10 years.
After almost 30 years of repairing boats, managing Cherokee Landing Marina, contributing to the local community, Ranny and Cynthia Whitney moved to the Sautee-Nacoochee valley to enjoy their retirement and spend time with their family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on July 23 at 1 p.m. at the Wildcat Volunteer Fire Department firehouse on Lake Burton, 5228 Highway 197 North, Clarkesville, GA 30523. Please bring a covered dish.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wildcat Volunteer Fire Department, 5228 Highway 197 North, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
The Clayton Tribune
July 21, 2022