The Honorable C. Clarke "Judge" Raley, 78 of California, MD passed away peacefully at his home on January 16th, 2021 surrounded by his beloved family. Clarke was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County and served this community in a legal capacity for over 40 years. He was born on January 9th, 1943 in Washington DC to Charles Emmerick Raley, and Wilma Jean Raley. Clarke was one of three brothers, he attended St. Michael's school and later graduated from Ryken High School in 1960. Clarke met his high school sweetheart Barbara Ann Puchetti, of Piney Point, MD on the school bus. Clarke and Barbara married in 1961, while Clarke went to the University of MD and he obtained his Bachelor's degree in 1964. During this time, Clarke and Barbara had two children, Charles Christian and Jeanne Marie Raley. Clarke continued his education and obtained his law degree from the University of MD School of Law in 1968. Immediately following law school, Clarke landed a position at Ober, Grimes and Shriver Law Firm. He was very proud of this accomplishment and worked there from 1968-1969. Clarke and Barbara decided to move their young family back to St. Mary's County where Clarke went into private practice in 1969 and worked as a lawyer until 1974. Clarke and Barbara had their 3rd child, Heather Clarke in 1971. Clarke obtained the position of Assistant States Attorney from 1974-1978, then served as the St. Mary's County State's Attorney 1981-1982 before being appointed to the District Court of MD as Associate Judge from 1983-1998. In 1998, Clarke was appointed as an Associate Judge for the St. Mary's County Circuit Court where he served until his retirement in 2011. The "Judge" was known for being fair and reasonable but tough on crime, a no nonsense kind of person who ran an efficient courtroom.