As we take this journey of Eugene Rayford, our father, brother, uncle, friend, associate, Life Reflection. We could never put in words all he has done or everything he has accomplished in his life. But we will attempt to sum it up in a few words.

Eugene Rayford accepted Christ at a young age. He was a current member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (Pastor Travis L. Norris Sr.) Eugene Rayford served on the Usher Board until his health started to fail him.

Eugene was a hardworking man to provide for his children. He obtained jobs at American Car and Foundry Company. He worked there for 11 months, then he saw a better opportunity and moved on to Hunter's Packing. He worked there from 1966-1981. One thing we loved about our Father is that he was not afraid to start over on a new adventure at Swift Packing. He spent more than five years there. God was so faithful to our Daddy. God saw fit to open up one more door for him before he retired at the age of 65. He walked through the doors at Granite City Steel Plant. He excelled and was really able to grow. He received an Outstanding Achievement Award. Eugene was a floor foreman. He was on magazine covers for GCS. He ended his career at GCS after 23 years of service. He finally decided to retire after working a total of 45 years. He was then able to start doing the things he loved to do like hunting, fishing, and barbecuing.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel and Luvenia Rayford; children, Jacqquline Reese and Marquis Sanders; siblings, Kathleen Ball, Mary Barfield, and Nathan Rayford.

On February 11, 2024, Eugene was called home to be with the Lord. He leaves to cherish his loving memory his children, Eugene (Glenda) Rayford Jr., Nathaniel (Stephanie) Rayford, Doshaney (Richard) Shaw, Anthony (Ahjee) Nicholson, Timothy (Felecia) Nicholson; bonus children, Greg, Eric, and Quincy Sanders; siblings, Lynette Allen, Eleasha McNeil, Kenneth Ball, and Marvin Ball; grandchildren, Santino, Shawna, Jamar, Natoshia, Eryn, Nathan, Dimond, Antasia, Ahnest, Arii, Brittany, Timmeshia, Timothy, Jr., Montee, Rayven, Ambrosia, Porscha, Doshanley (Theodore), Ashaley, Arlania,Lamor, Lamont; nieces, Ketrina (Edward), Marita, Charnita, Karmen, Leslie, Cicley, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.