Zollie L. Rayner

Zollie L. Rayner of Hadley, Perry Township, passed away at his residence, with his family by his side on Friday afternoon, June 19, 2026. He was 80 years old.

Born on July 19, 1945, in Pulaski, he was one of fourteen children born to the late Albert Lewis Rayner and Lorene Crystal Belle (Gilliand) Rayner.

Zollie honorably served his country in the United States Army as a parachutist with the 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean War Era and while serving in the Army he was a Golden Glove Boxer. Following his military service, he was employed by the Bessemer and Lake Erie (B&LE) Railroad, based in New Castle, for 22 years, working as an engineer until becoming disabled.

On December 19, 1986, he married the former Cynthia L. Mesko. Together, they shared nearly 40 years of devoted marriage.

An avid pigeon enthusiast, Zollie owned and operated ZLR Flying Loft, where he raised, flew, and raced pigeons. This passion had been passed down through generations of his family. He was also a member of West Middlesex VFW Post No. 6233, the American Legion, and a retired member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen of New Castle. Zollie attended North Salem Wesleyan Methodist Church in Greenville and enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cynthia; three children, Michelle (Brandon) Simpson of Greenville, Kimberly Rayner of Hadley, and Paul James (Stacy) Rayner, Sr. of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren, Dylan Robert Simpson, Ryder Lee Simpson, Paul James Rayner, Jr., Amanda Lynn Jarvis, and Zollie Jonathan Rayner; several great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3223 Perry Highway, Sheakleyville, with Pastor Nick Fabian, a nephew of Zollie, officiating.

Interment, with military honors, will follow at Hadley Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Following the service, the family invites all who attend to join them at the family home for a light luncheon and refreshments.

The family extends their deepest appreciation to the staff of the Crawford County Hospice for the excellent care and comfort that was provided to Zollie.

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