Rane Leads the Way in Giving Back to MMI

On Friday, Feb. 23, Mr. Jimmy Rane (Chairman, President & CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving in Abbeville) was honored for his cumulative contributions to the Marion Military Institute (MMI) Foundation. All total, more than 40 of MMI’s most loyal supporters participated in the college’s Donor Recognition ceremony, which took part in the MMI Chapel with faculty, staff and the entire Corps of Cadets in attendance. Taking the stage, Mr. Rane became the first inductee in the Three Star Order of the Crest giving society, marked by a custom gold and diamond lapel pin. Speaking off the cuff, he gave the audience a glimpse of his own cadet experience that helped him to grow the treated lumber business he founded. Originally from East Alabama, Mr. Rane graduated from MMI’s high school in 1964 before earning degrees from Auburn University and Cumberland School of Law. As a member of the AU Board of Trustees, he was also invited to assist in awarding three AU transfer scholarships to three sophomore MMI cadets. Over the past decade, MMI has been able to transform its historic campus through Mr. Rane’s generosity, providing lead gifts for two capital campaigns. After an extensive wave of facility renovations in 2007, the former “New South” barracks was renamed James W. Rane Hall.  He and his son James Rane, Jr. have most recently funded construction of MMI’s military-grade Leadership Training Complex, complete with obstacle course, leader reaction course, and rappel/climbing tower. A former MMI alumnus of the year (2007), he currently serves as Chairman of the Marion Made Capital Campaign and has committed to transform MMI’s existing Center for Leadership in honor of his late father Anthony J. Rane.