Backus Funeral Home

Russell Kenneyed Raymer passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, in Florence, South
Carolina. He was born May 4, 1937, the son of Ray Raymer and Earle Glenn (Johnson)
Raymer in Kansas, IL on May 4, 1937.
Russell is preceded in death by his wife, Alice Ann Gaines, his parents Ray and Earle Raymer,
and his sister Olga Raymer Heath. He is survived by his youngest sister Barbara Sue Oliver of
Indianapolis, IN, and his children: Kevin Raymer (Merilyn) of Virginia Beach, VA; Bradley
Raymer (Patrice) of New Hope, MN and Melissa Raymer (Ron Fox) of Chanhassen, MN and
granddaughters Samantha Raymer (Paul Cu***ng) and Meghan Holtman (Danie).
Russell met his wife Alice on a blind date, got engaged the following Saturday, and married
three months later on August 15, 1959. They lovingly embraced and supported each other for
63 years until Alice passed away on March 28, 2022. He honorably served two years in the
U.S. Army in Korea and Fort Eustis, VA near the end of the Korean War with Co. C 159 th T Bn
as a Boatswain before returning home to Illinois. He worked construction driving cement trucks
in the building of the State Farm Center that opened as Assembly Hall on March 2, 1963 on
the University of Illinois campus in Champaign, Illinois. He built farm silos and then managed
farm fertilizer distribution for Schertz Fertilizer Service in El Paso, IL and then Aylco Fertilizer
Service in Cooksville, IL. Russell and Alice moved their family to Wisconsin to work for Lindsay
Brothers and L.F. George, Inc. building a thriving sales portfolio selling and delivering farm
equipment and recreational vehicles to implement dealers throughout Wisconsin, Michigan,
Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. He and Alice transitioned into insurance by operating their own
Farmers Insurance Group agencies in Rice Lake and Eau Claire, WI for many years. They
initially retired to Chanhassen, MN but moved to Florence, SC for their final years. He enjoyed
the outdoors, time with family, friends, animals, and spreading his wicked sense of humor.
Russell was a dedicated husband and father who will be deeply missed by his adoring family
and the wonderful staff at Southland Health Care Center in Florence, SC.

With heartfelt sympathy, we at Backus Funeral Home sorrowfully announce the passing of military veteran Mr. Russell Raymer of Florence, SC, who ascended to eternal life on April 02, 2026.

Professional Services are entrusted to Backus Funeral Home.Please keep the Raymer family in your thoughts and prayers.

Services for Mr. Isaac Tyson will be conducted as follows:

A public viewing will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Backus Funeral Home Memorial Chapel from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Backus Cemetery 1000 Drew Drive Darlington, SC.

Serving families in their most vulnerable moments requires unwavering dedication. Every time Backus Funeral Home serves a family, it's a testament to the seamless coordination of a diverse team. Each member plays a vital role, united in their commitment to serving others. There is no 'big me' and 'little you.' I'm deeply grateful to every staff member at Backus Funeral Home for their tireless efforts, both seen and unseen. This noble profession is not for everyone, only those truly called to serve.

With heartfelt sympathy, we at Backus Funeral Home sorrowfully announce the passing of Mr. Issac Tyson of Darlington, SC, who ascended to eternal life on March 08, 2026, at his residence.

Professional Services are entrusted to Backus Funeral Home.Please keep the Tyson family in your thoughts and prayers.

With heartfelt sympathy, we at Backus Funeral Home sorrowfully announce the passing of Mr. Steven Blathers who ascended to eternal life on March 02, 2026 in Florence, SC.

Professional Services are entrusted to Backus Funeral Home.Please keep the Blathers family in your thoughts and prayers.

A public viewing will be held at Backus Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 450 N. Dargan Street, Florence, SC, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Public Viewing will be held on Tuesday , February 24, 2026, at Backus Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 450 N. Dargan Street Florence, SC, from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life service for Mr. Renard Burgess will be conducted on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Southern Calvary Baptist Church, located at 602 Jefferson Street, Florence, SC 29506.

Professional funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Backus Funeral Home. The Burgess family respectfully requests your thoughts and prayers during this time.

With heartfelt sympathy, we at Backus Funeral Home sorrowfully announce the passing of Mr. Renard Burgess, who ascended to eternal life on February 17, 2026, in Florence, SC.

Public Viewing will he held on Tuesday , February 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at The Backus Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 450 N. Dargan Street, Florence, SC 29506

A Celebration of Life service for Mr. Renard Burgess will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Southern Calvary Baptist Church, 602 Jefferson Street, Florence, SC 29506.

Professional services are entrusted to Backus Funeral Home. Please keep the Burgess family in your thoughts and prayers.

With heartfelt sympathy, we at Backus Funeral Home sorrowfully announce the passing of Mr. John Miller who ascended to eternal life on January 25, 2026 in Florence, SC.

Professional Services are entrusted to Backus Funeral Home.Please keep the Miller family in your thoughts and prayers.

With heartfelt sympathy, we at Backus Funeral Home sorrowfully announce the passing of Mr. Pat Raucci who ascended to eternal life on January 3, 2026 in Florence, SC.

Professional Services are entrusted to Backus Funeral Home.Please keep the Raucci family in your thoughts and prayers.