Gordon J. Rayner

The Spirit of Gordon J. Rayner, of Savannah, GA. departed this life on June 15, 2024. to continue its journey to God’s kingdom. Gordon, the son of Joseph Norris Rayner & Gertrude Evelyn nee Hensel Rayner was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 16, 1935 and graduated from Ephrata High School, Ephrata, PA in 1953. He served 3 years in the US Marine Corps, attended Lafayette College, Easton, PA and married his childhood sweetheart, Ella Mae Edwards in December 1955.

His career in the Federal law enforcement included 8 years in the US Border Patrol and 16 years in the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration, doing criminal enforcement actions from undercover work to managing multi-agency anti-smuggling task force operations and supervising the DEA Savannah, GA, office for nine years. After suffering many years with PTSD he took up writing and the sun began to shine again. He and Ella Mae wrote their first book, a memoir, Foreign Service Family Style. And they went on to work on others: Taurus, Taurus, Taurus. Operation Pinata, Operation Sandstorm, and Operation Caliph.

Besides his wife of 68 years, he is survived by children, Georgie Ann Grossman (Mike) of Dallas, TX (Valencia, Spain), Greg Rayner of Ellabell, GA, and Joeralee Brady (Tommy) of Savannah, GA, granddaughter Jackie Bosarge (Leo) of Dallas, GA.

Gordon will be remembered as an avid golfer and a volunteer to many charitable
organizations in the New Bern, NC area. A long time Lutheran, in his later years, he
found his spiritual beliefs aligned with those of the Gnostics and his spirit has continued
its journey through the universe to be at home with God.

The family will receive friends Saturday, June 29, 2024 from1:00 pm until 2:00 pm with a celebration of Gordons life at 2:00 pm at Gamble Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to Hospice Savannah who served us well.