Born August 16, 1932 in Junction City, Arkansas, he was the son of James Alvin and Mary Lou McDuffie Laney who preceded him in death along with a sister, Catherine Laney Couch, brother, Ben F. Laney and an infant brother and a niece Mary Lou Wheelus Hagan.

 Mr. Laney graduated from LA Tech with a B. A. in education and received his M. A. and A.B.D in education and administration from the University of Arkansas. He taught biology and English for seven years at El Dorado High School, after which he taught social studies and English at A. E. Phillips Lab School on the LA Tech campus for 37 years.

Mr. Laney had been recognized as Louisiana High School Teacher of the Year in 1979, American History Teacher of the Year for the State of Louisiana in 1985 and was chosen as La Tech Alumni of the Year in Education in 1989.

 He was the ultimate teacher in his approach, attitude and the way he dressed, always in a suit and tie (he had more ties than anyone you would ever know). He made a point of knowing all the students from Kindergarten on up and was loved by students and staff alike.

 He was life-long member of Scotland Presbyterian Church at Junction City, serving as superintendent and teacher in Sunday School, deacon and elder and was always a choir member.

He was an avid LA Tech fan, one of the original members of the Lady Techster’s Booster Club and a great advocate of LA Tech on all levels.

No one could have asked for a more devoted son, brother, uncle or friend. He devoted his life to loving and serving others.

Survivors include a sister, Yvonne Laney Wheelus of Farmerville, LA, brothers, James A. Laney Jr. (Helen) of Luling, LA, Billy Wayne Laney (Carolyn) of Junction City, LA and Marcus W. Laney (Mary) of Orlando, Florida. Also surviving are 12 nieces, Betty Couch Adams, Belinda Wheelus Taylor, Sue Couch Whiddon, Alaine Wheelus Primm, Janet Laney King, Sharon Laney Grove, Anita Laney Bond, Vicky Laney Hamaker, Sandra Laney Bryan, Bonnie Jean Wheelus Jerry, Stephanie Laney Bailey, and Allison Laney Dunham along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P. M. Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Scotland Presbyterian Church in Junction City with Rev. Sam Shepperson officiating. Interment will follow in the Scotland Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held at Bailey Funeral Home in Junction City from 4:00 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. Wednesday evening.

The family will gather at the Couch family residence, 400 North Elm, Junction City, Arkansas.

Memorials may be made to Scotland Presbyterian Church or Cemetery, 2046 Wesson Road, Junction City, AR 71749 or to the Robert Alex Laney Scholarship Fund #1503 ( checks payable to LA Tech Foundation), P. O. Box 3183, Ruston, LA 71272.

Please sign the online registry at www.baileyfuneralhome.net.