Willie Davis Rayford

Willie Davis Rayford, age 88, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at the Sierra Blanca Rehabilitation Center in Lakeside, Arizona. He was born in Summerland, Mississippi to Rev. David Rayford and his wife Willie Mae Jones Rayford. He attended high school in Mississippi and then joined the US Army where he served for 4 years. Willie moved to McNary, Arizona in the 1940's where he worked at the sawmill. He then worked for the Blue Ridge School District from 1985 to 1991. Then he worked for the Town of Pinetop for 5 years before he retired. Willie was a faithful member of the Blooming Grove Baptist Church where he served as a deacon until his death. He is survived by his wife: Willie Mae Rayford, his 4 children: Antoinette Rayford, Lucy Ann Rayford, Roberta Rayford and Timothy Rayford; a grandchild Monte Rayford; his brother Howard Rayford and a sister Dorothy Evans; nieces and nephews Albert Rayford, Jr., Sally Mohning, Linda Rayford, Rita Rayford and Michael Rayford; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Willie was preceded in death by his parents and 12 siblings. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 11 am at the Blooming Grove Baptist Church in Lakeside, Arizona. burial will follow at the Lakeside Cemetery. Services under the direction of Owens Livingston Mortuary White Mountain Chapel.