Anthony J. "Tony" Rane, the son of Italian immigrants, was an entrepreneur from Abbeville, Alabama, who fully embodied the American Dream. During his diverse career, he owned several businesses, including restaurants, retail stores and Holiday Day Inn franchises. Rane was also an active presence in civic, industry and tourism organizations. He served as the first president of the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce in 1953 and was known for his commitment to economic improvement.

Born and reared in Madison, Wisconsin, Rane served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and he was among the first 50 troops sent to establish the base at Fort Rucker, Alabama.  It was there that he met his future wife, Elizabeth "Libba" Mills of Abbeville.  They had two sons, Jimmy and Greg Rane.  Through their father’s example as an astute businessman, the Ranes would lead the team that grew Great Southern Wood Preserving from a backyard treating plant with sales of $22,000 into the largest producer of pressure treated pine in the world. The story of Great Southern is inseparable from the life and work of Anthony J. Rane, and he continues to serve as our inspiration.