Date of birth: 06.05.1934
Date of death: 08/11/2024
Mr. John “Rayford” Lawhorn, 90, of Newton Grove, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on June 5, 1934 in Johnston County to the late Fernie D. and Lela Jane Lawhorn.
At age 18, he began driving a delivery truck for Newton Lee. He also drove for Glenn Flowers, Thomas Tart, Douglas Blackman, and Charlie Warren. In semi-retirement, he hauled fertilizer and sweet potatoes for William Johnson at Carolina Eastern. Byron Rose nicknamed him Baby Doll.
On December 12, 1959, he married the love of his life, Loraine Jackson Lawhorn. His favorite pastime was gardening, sitting in the seat of his John Deer tractor.
Rayford was preceded in death by his parents Fernie D. Lawhorn and Lela Jane Norris Lawhorn, as well as his siblings James Lawhorn, Magaline Smith, Vera Lee Ennis and Donald Lawhorn.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Loraine J. Lawhorn; children Deanna Lawhorn, Kim Lawhorn Pope and Keith R. Lawhorn (Jenny); grandchildren Brandon McLamb (Katie), Brittany Hamilton (Donnie), Brooke Winters (Andrew), Tyler Lawhorn (Chelsie), Courtney Barefoot (Johnathan) and Katie Brooks (Alex); great-grandchildren Rhett, Ava, Nash, Waylon, Mason, Lawson, Bristol, Cole, Luke, Olivia and Ella Kate; sisters Betty Barbour and Helen Strickland.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the West & Dunn Funeral Home in Newton Grove.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the West & Dunn Funeral Home in Newton Grove with the Rev. Horace Johnson officiating.
He will be buried in the Unity Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Newton Grove.
West & Dunn Funeral Home in Newton Grove is honored to serve the family of John Rayford Lawhorn.
