s/o John and Mary Mann Rayfield

OBIT:

Benjamin Franklin Rayfield, an old and venerated citizen of Piedmont, answered the death summons shortly after midnight on Tuesday morning, July 11, having attained the advanced age of 80 years, 3 months, and 28 days. "Uncle Frank," as he was familiarly and affectionately known, had been ill for many months, suffering from ailments incident to advanced years, but the immediate cause of death was uremic poisoning.

Funeral services were held at the Baptist Church in Piedmont Tuesday afternoon, and the church auditorium was insufficient to accommodate all who gathered to pay a tribute of respect to one whose long and useful life was unblemished and of whom it could be truthfully said that he had never had an enemy nor had ever given any person reason to hold ill will toward him. The church services were in charge of Rev. Otto Shearer and Rev. Della Walker, the later pastor of the Church of the Nazarene. Interment was made in the Masonic Cemetery following the services at the church.

Mr. Rayfield was born March 13, 1852, on Sinking Creek in Reynolds County, a few miles west of Piedmont, an spent most of his life in that community. He and his family removed to Piedmont several years ago when advancing years caused him to give up active life on the farm.

Mr. Rayfield reared a large family of useful citizens, and the surviving children are: Mrs. Charles H. Hart, Spokane, Washington; Mrs. Wilson Barnes, Los Angeles, California; Mrs. E. S. Mann, Piedmont; Leo and Charles Rayfield, Wright City, Missouri; Mrs. John W. Medlin, Maplewood, Missouri; Mrs. Otto G. Seal, Piedmont; Mrs. Roy W. McGhee, Piedmont; M. B. Rayfield, Bonne Terre, Missouri, and Mrs. W. C. Collins, Ironton. He is also survived by his true and faithful companion and one brother, A. J. Rayfield of Elk City, Oklahoma; also three half-brothers--James and Ed Rayfield of Piedmont and Walter Rayfield of Mississippi.

Quiet and unassuming throughout his life, he yet took a deep interest in all community activities and his life's conduct was such as to merit universal esteem. To the bereaved widow and fatherless children is extended the profound an abiding sympathy of all.

Wayne County Journal-Banner, July 14, 1932