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Robert Raiford Obituary
Bob was born in Concord, NC and graduated from Concord High School in 1946. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, both from the University of South Carolina. He spent his entire career as a television and radio personality in such places as Washington, DC, New York, San Francisco, Charleston, SC and Charlotte. For the last 30 years, he was a self-proclaimed opinionated, unapologetic curmudgeon on the John Boy & Billy Show at WRFX in Charlotte, gaining fans and foes alike. A stroke in August of 2015 caused his "early retirement" at the age of 87, something for which he was clearly not ready.
Born with much verve and blessed with much vitality, Bob enjoyed many varied interests, including reading, writing, traveling, marathon running, piloting his Piper Cub, parachute jumping, and motorcycling (beginning at age 60). He took much delight in the many years of riding his Harley Davidson cross country with the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. He did that well into his 80's. He also loved dogs, sunsets and sipping Gentleman Jack.
Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kelia, and sons, Ray (Wanda) of S.C., Roger (Carol) of N.Y., Richard (Miguelina) of N.Y. and daughter Kay R. Peters of Concord, as well as six grandchildren and several nephews, a niece and his beloved dog, Rocky.
We offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our dear friends and family, Bob's devoted and tireless therapists for the past 2 years, and a wonderful caregiver for the last few weeks.
In keeping with his wishes, Bob was cremated without ceremony or memorial.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
-Dylan Thomas-
On-line condolences may be left at www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com
Wilkinson Funeral Home is assisting the Raiford family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Raiford
Rebecca watters
September 28, 2024
Thank you for the year's of joy you brought to so many.
You are forever missed still all these years later some my fondest memories are of my car rides taking my daughter to school hearing your stories on the radio who says that I say that. Was my daughters favorite thing you said.
Kevin Duncan
January 30, 2021
I listened to Bob on The Big Show for an extremely long time. Going back to my teens im in my late 40s he was a welcome highlight to each broadcast. I might not have always agreed with every opinion he shared but I respected his views.Rest In Peace Sir. I dearly miss hearing you on my daily morning listening experience.
Pam McKenzie
February 22, 2018
I will always cherish the memories of Raiford's visits to Carolina Harley Davidson. Whether we were picking out a gift for his wife or just chatting.
Never a dull moment with him. Ride on Raiford.
Stuart Ayers
January 15, 2018
I was blessed to have had the company of Mr. Raiford at the other end of a radio with the Jon Boy & Billy Show for many years. Mr. Raiford was my favorite. I always enjoyed his perspective and unique way of delivering his opinions related to just about any subject he chose. We have truly lost a great man in Mr. Raiford. I was fortunate to have met him on one of his rides across the nation a few years back when the Kyle Petty crew stopped over in Texarkana, TX. He was a real gentleman after having ran across a long day of flat TX riding. I believe they had ridden from Midland/Odessa area that day. What a strong man to have endured such a challenge. Mr. Raiford a true man of a generation who built this solid country of ours!!! GODSPEED Mr. Robert D. Raiford
John G. O'Connell, III
December 31, 2017
The Family of Mr. Robert D. Raiford, just heard late of Mr. Raifords passing in November 2017. Recall the 'Ol'Fellow'
on TV and Radio... especially the day in November 1963, when he reported on the Kennedy funeral in Washington, D. C..
Then enjoying his 'delivery' on the 'John Boy & Billy Big Show' heard in Our Area on Rock 101 WROQ-FM, Greenville, SC. One Ace of an 'Ol' Curmudgeon-at-Large', Radio Personality! Gave me many laughs throughout the years. May He finally Rest in Peace! A Job Well Done!
November 29, 2017
Sorry for your loss. May the family please accept my deepest condolences, and look to Almighty God for strength during this time.
Porter
Roger Allen
November 24, 2017
Like everyone else I listened to his commentaries and crazy stories over the years . I loved them becaused he made you think about life. When he I Love this morning, it was awesome. My condolences to his precious family. Not doubt y'all are awesome!
Tony Rhodes
November 24, 2017
I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but you made my days much happier with your humor. I would have loved to have been your neighbor, especially with the hatred of leaf blowers. Goodbye sir. May you Rest In Peace and your family find comfort in knowing you brought smiles to millions of people over a very distinguished life.
US Army E7 Ret
Carl Harless
November 24, 2017
I like so many had place in heart For Mr Raiford after Many Many years listening to him on Johnboy and Billy he will be greatly missed
Al Crawford
November 24, 2017
Mr. Raiford, Thank you for the wonderful memories and your enlightening commentaries over the years!
Dawn Shrum
November 22, 2017
I feel like I knew Mr. Raiford though we never met. He was a voice of truth, rationality & reason. My deepest & sincerest condolences & sympathies.
November 22, 2017
•My deepest Condolences
SUGAR XYLER
November 21, 2017
Bob was an old friend of my grandmother's. She says she will really miss his stories and so will I. Nobody could tell a joke like Bob could. He was the best.
Daytona Jarman
November 21, 2017
So sad to hear this news. What a interesting human being Raiford was. Have missed him on the radio. Rest in Peace, Raiford. Prayers for his family and friends.
Dwight Hill
November 20, 2017
R.I.P. Mr. Raiford. We all hoped one day you would be able to return to JB&B but God had other plans. You will be missed by many.
Morris Allred
November 20, 2017
I tuned in to my favorite station( Classic Rock 102 out of Odessa, TX.) to listen to the JBB show this morning and was in total dismay with the news of Mr. Raiford's passing. I loved listening to him when he came on. I will miss him. RIP Mr. Raiford.
Ken Howle
November 20, 2017
What a great man and personality the world has lost. You will be missed greatly, sir. I'm sure that your well-deserved eternal peace will have a microphone and an old typewriter nearby. God bless you.
November 20, 2017
A true champion. Rest in peace and God bless his family.
Jim Thompson
Samantha Stone
November 20, 2017
Thanks for your advice back in my early radio days, and your captivating stories, both on and off the air! Peace to you, Mr. Raiford.
Nathaniel Mayfield
November 20, 2017
Just heard out about the news this morning, You will be missed by so many. RIP
Randy Tidwell
November 20, 2017
Rip Mr.raiford we will miss you.
November 20, 2017
Rest our friend. Listened for 30 years from Clinton Tenn
harold denson
November 20, 2017
Just learned this morning that Mr. Raiford was called home Friday.
I've listened to the John Boy & Billy show for decades and couldn't wait for 'Raif' to do his segment. I've really missed him the last couple of years, and will be eternally grateful for the laughs and fun he shared.
My condolences to his family and friends as our country says goodbye to a great legend. God bless.
Melissa Johnston
November 20, 2017
Thank you for the laughs and the insight for so many years. Rather I agreed with you or not (99% of the time I did) it always brought a smile to my face. I have missed you so much over the past 2 years but I appreciate the memories you have left with all of us. Prayers and condolences for your family from Bristol, TN (home of the only Food City racing Grocery Cart driven by John Boy).. :-)
Johnny Johnson
November 20, 2017
No more listening to those dang leaf blowers!!! You were to funny. Thanks
Johnny Johnson
November 20, 2017
No more listening to those dang leaf blowers. God speed and Thanks.
November 20, 2017
Mr. Raiford, many days you brought a smile or a thought to many who listened. Thank you! I've listened to the John Boy and Billy show for many years. You will be missed! May you Rest in Peace!
Nick M
November 20, 2017
I always enjoyed listening to Raiford's commentary. He always brought a smile to my face or a thought to ponder. Bless you Mr. Raiford and prayers to your family.
Rich Gentry
November 20, 2017
One might not have liked or agreed with some things he said, but I admired the way he said them, you always knew where he stood.
November 19, 2017
May God bless the family with peace and comfort. Mr. Raiford was a treasure to long time Charlotteans. His wisdom, wit, and professionalism shone through for many years across the airwaves. Thank you for your service sir. Rest easy, job well done.
KENNETH CLARK
November 19, 2017
MR. RAIFORD , YOU BROUGHT A SMILE AND LAUGHTER ON MY FACE EVERY TIME I WOULD LISTEN TO YOU ON JOHN BOY AND BILLY SHOW
November 18, 2017
A true southern gem.
Keith Holyfield
November 18, 2017
20 years you made me laugh. Taught me what a Crumudgin was. Truly one of a kind. You will be missed here in Rocky Mount VA. My condolences to his family he loved. and the boys at the station. I know they are hurting too. God bless !
Lea Chandler
November 18, 2017
I always loved listening to Raiford on The John Boy and Billy show. He had the courage of his convictions and lived life on his own terms. He was truly an inspiration.
Dewayne Haire
November 18, 2017
Listened to "Raif" for over 30 years. He gave me the courage to express my feelings and speak my mind. He gave me the courage to question things and authority. He gave me the courage to be unapologetic about my views on things. Robert D., thanks for being a teacher and making my life better. You will be missed but remembered. Who said that? I said that!
Harvey Burgess
November 18, 2017
Bob was one of a kind. And he'd probably say that's a good thing. Good night, friend...
November 18, 2017
I first met Bob in Columbia, SC, circa 1968. I've long managed several Charlotte-market radio stations. I'll fondly remember the many times my secretary would ring my office extension to say "Tom, Mr. Raiford just pulled up out front on his motorcycle". Bob would visit in my office for 30-minutes or more on his way to his Concord home, following his morning stint on "The John Boy and Billy Big Show". He will be missed by many.
Karen
November 18, 2017
Quite a guy -"legend in his own time"
Larry Bruton
November 18, 2017
Got to know Bob when I was working at Channel 3. He was at WIST at the time. Later when I was at WSTP in Salisbury, I met Bob again with the old Charlotte Skydivers jump club. We made a jump together, and it was fun to talk radio and tv and flying and parachutes with him. He did it all...no rocking chairs for Bob. Condolences to his family and Godspeed to him...
November 18, 2017
We will return after this brief announcement.
Marty Oxman Charlotte NC
Steve Ashley
November 18, 2017
Mr. Raiford did wonders for radio. My sincere sympathy to his family. He was a great one who will be missed.
David McKinnon
November 18, 2017
Robert D. Raiford has been a proud beacon for us all who "Won't go gently into the good night" and will be greatly missed by us all!
Phil Lambeth
November 17, 2017
Uncle Bob will be fondly remembered by many far and wide. His storied career is peppered with memorable events and irreverent observations that will readily come to mind to all of his many friends, relatives and acquaintances. Years ago I attempted to break the shell of his spiritual reticence and can only hope that since then the Spirit made Himself known to Bob. My condolences to Kelia, to Ray, to Kay, and to everyone else who was touched by his wit and charm during the nearly nine decades that we were blessed to have him with us.
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Wilkinson Funeral Home100 Branchview Drive NE PO Box 344, Concord, NC 28025
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