1936
John
2017
John Albert Rayhill, Jr.
August 1, 1936 — July 30, 2017
John Albert Rayhill, Jr., 80, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2017.
Predeceased by his beloved and loving Doris Irene Burnette Howard Rayhill of 42 ½ years. Born in Lynchburg on August 1, 1936, he was the son of the late John Albert Rayhill, Sr. and Christine Blanch Wiley Rayhill. He was also preceded in death by a loving and dear sister, Shirley L. P. Claytor. John worked for the Chesapeake and Potomac/Bell Atlantic and retired AT&T/Lucent Telephone Companies.
Serving in the Military Services; while in service attending the University of Maryland Extension and Columbia University was a member of the American Legion Post 16, The Elks Lodge, several Masonic Orders, Lynchburg Scottish Rite, Kazim Temple Shriner, Past Grand Patron-Order of The Eastern Star and Deacon of Beulah Baptist Church. He is survived by his stepson Gary L. Howard and wife, Faye of Lynchburg, grandson Matthew Howard and wife, Amy, 3 great grandchildren, Kaelin, Elaina and Sofia Howard. Nieces, Barbara Gelman and husband Steve, Roswell, GA, Pamela Giles, and husband Harold, Altavista, VA. “Papa John” as he was affectionately known was generous in his giving, in life, living, and those about him. He was a quiet person, he never talked about his honors and enjoyed woodworking, reading his Bible, The Classics and writing—writing over 80 stories and articles not published. He and His Doris enjoyed traveling before and after their retirement, returning to the areas of his military service meeting friends in many States and overseas. He believed in self obligations, patriotic-duty to Military and Civil-Civic services, believing in the US Constitution, people first. His watch word was: “Memories”.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Beulah Baptist Church. Following with burial in the Masonic Garden in Fort Hill Memorial Park; with Masonic Rites, followed by American Legion Post 16 Military Honors.
Gifts/Donations may be made to: Beulah Baptist Church, the Doris and John Rayhill, Jr. Scholarship Fund, 528 Leesville Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, Virginia Baptist Foundation, Inc. 2828 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA, 23226 or Centra Health Foundation, Inc. 1920 Altherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.
Predeceased by his beloved and loving Doris Irene Burnette Howard Rayhill of 42 ½ years. Born in Lynchburg on August 1, 1936, he was the son of the late John Albert Rayhill, Sr. and Christine Blanch Wiley Rayhill. He was also preceded in death by a loving and dear sister, Shirley L. P. Claytor. John worked for the Chesapeake and Potomac/Bell Atlantic and retired AT&T/Lucent Telephone Companies.
Serving in the Military Services; while in service attending the University of Maryland Extension and Columbia University was a member of the American Legion Post 16, The Elks Lodge, several Masonic Orders, Lynchburg Scottish Rite, Kazim Temple Shriner, Past Grand Patron-Order of The Eastern Star and Deacon of Beulah Baptist Church. He is survived by his stepson Gary L. Howard and wife, Faye of Lynchburg, grandson Matthew Howard and wife, Amy, 3 great grandchildren, Kaelin, Elaina and Sofia Howard. Nieces, Barbara Gelman and husband Steve, Roswell, GA, Pamela Giles, and husband Harold, Altavista, VA. “Papa John” as he was affectionately known was generous in his giving, in life, living, and those about him. He was a quiet person, he never talked about his honors and enjoyed woodworking, reading his Bible, The Classics and writing—writing over 80 stories and articles not published. He and His Doris enjoyed traveling before and after their retirement, returning to the areas of his military service meeting friends in many States and overseas. He believed in self obligations, patriotic-duty to Military and Civil-Civic services, believing in the US Constitution, people first. His watch word was: “Memories”.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Beulah Baptist Church. Following with burial in the Masonic Garden in Fort Hill Memorial Park; with Masonic Rites, followed by American Legion Post 16 Military Honors.
Gifts/Donations may be made to: Beulah Baptist Church, the Doris and John Rayhill, Jr. Scholarship Fund, 528 Leesville Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, Virginia Baptist Foundation, Inc. 2828 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA, 23226 or Centra Health Foundation, Inc. 1920 Altherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Albert Rayhill, Jr., please visit our flower store.
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