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Rayford Smith

Funeral service for Mr. Rayford Smith will be 11 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2020, at

Bethesda Baptist Church with interment at Ephesus Cemetery. Visitation is

from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

He was the patriarch of our family and left this earth to go to his heavenly home

September 16, 2020. While our hearts are broken at the loss of him, the reunion he

is having with his loved ones that have gone on before him, brings joy to our heart.

He taught us so many things and left his impression on all of us. We will carry you

in our hearts until we meet again.

He was born November 2, 1931, in Jefferson County Mississippi where he lived his

whole life. He was a cattle farmer and logger, and attended Ephesus Primitive Baptist Church

Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his wife, Nell Brown Smith; parents, Dougal C. Smith

and Julia Nevels Smith; brother, Doyle Smith; granddaughter, Hope Emfinger; and son-in-law, Randy Cummins.

Those who remain to cherish his memory are his son, Ray Smith (Julie) of Fayette, MS; daughters,

Sheila Emfinger (Butch) and Lynda Purser (John Wayne) both of Meadville, MS, and Kay Cummins

and friend, James Neal, of Corsicana, TX; brother, Joe Smith, of Fayette, MS; sisters, Christine Warren,

of Wesson, MS and Helen Fay Keeton, of Sieverville, TN. He is also survived by nine grandchildren,

Brad Emfinger, Britney McWilliams, Rachel Brocato, Adam Purser, Emy Roider, Jill Ephlin,

Shelley Golden, Jennifer West and Josh Smith, and 17 great grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to Ephesus Cemetery, 835 Red Lick Road, Lorman, MS. 39096.

5 comments

  • Comment Link Paul Southerland Thursday, 17 September 2020 22:15 posted by Paul Southerland

    So sorry for y’all’s loss. Mr. Rayford was a good man. Praying for The Lord to bless the family through this time. Paul Southerland

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  • Comment Link Jan Shell Thursday, 17 September 2020 18:40 posted by Jan Shell

    Family, so sorry for all of y’alls loss!! I know he was a Family Man and y’all were a close Family and he will surely be missed!!!! I lift all of you up that God will strengthen and Bless you all.
    In Jesus Name. Amen

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  • Comment Link Carole and Donnie Wells Thursday, 17 September 2020 01:17 posted by Carole and Donnie Wells

    He was so dear to me. At the reunion several years ago, he spent quiet a while visiting me and telling me about my Mother, Loraine who was married to Sid C. McDonald in 1939-40. And then at the last reunion, my neice Kari was with me and we went to his home with the rest of his family and had a wonderful get-to-gather. I loved him and Momma Nell. I know they will have a great reunion. Love to all the family, Carole McDonald Wells, Crosby, TX.

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  • Comment Link Donna M Westmoreland Wednesday, 16 September 2020 22:24 posted by Donna M Westmoreland

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

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  • Comment Link Georgia McCaa Wednesday, 16 September 2020 21:51 posted by Georgia McCaa

    Lynda I am so sorry to hear about your dad but I rejoice in knowing he is in Heaven worshipping and praising his Heavenly Father the Lord of his life. My prayers are with you and your family that y'all find peace and comfort during this time. Love ya Georgia McCaa ???????

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