Roy Curtis (Ray) Rayford Jr., 92, died Jan. 5, 2015 at home with family by his side.
Ray was born Aug. 6, 1922 in Mobile.
He was a lifelong resident of Daphne, and was a member of Christ the King Parish in Daphne.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Curtis Rayford Sr.; his sister, Naomi Crenshaw; his wife of 60 years, Emily Russell Rayford of Daphne; and his great-niece, Kathryn Marie Lee.
Ray is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, William (Bill) and Maxine Russell of Daphne; three nephews, William J. Russell III (Jenny), Dwayne Russell (Carrie) and Daryl Russell (Missy); two nieces, Julie Russell Rowell (Milt) and Geralyn Russell Lee; 11 great-nieces; eight great-nephews; and two great-great nephews. Ray is also survived by his sister’s children, Sherry Hall, Bobbie Dickerson, Ruth McKinley, Diane Buckalew, Gordon Crenshaw and Jeanette Breland.
Ray was devoted to his faith, family and country. He was fun-loving and known for his generosity.
Ray attended Murphy High School in Mobile. He was a WWII veteran, retiring from the Navy after 50 years of distinguished service.
He was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide football fan.
Visitation will be at Christ the King Catholic Church in Daphne on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, from 10 to 11 a.m. A memorial mass will be at 11.
Burial will follow in Belforest Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.
Ray (Uncle Ray) will be missed by his family and friends.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Daphne.
