[1] Born in Wadley, Randolph County, Alabama during the Great Depression, With his older brother Hugh Radney paying his way by working on the family farm, Radney graduated from Auburn University, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, receiving a bachelor of science in education, then a master's degree in history in 1952.

Radney also served as President of the Board of Trustees at Alabama State University and of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, as well as on the boards of trustees or directors of Huntington College, Carraway Methodist Hospital in Birmingham, and Russell Medical Center and the First Methodist Church in Alexander City.

Radney was also active in the American Legion, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Alexander City, Elks Lodge, and Masons.

He remained active in his political party as a mentor to younger politicians and a long-time member of the Alabama Democratic Executive Committee.

Radney had championed a rule which prevented candidates from running as a Democrat who had not supported the party's nominees in the previous four years.".