David Ray Raynor

David Ray Raynor, 72 of Garner, NC passed away Thursday, April 18, 2024, at home.
David was born to Freeman and Genevieve Raynor on September 18, 1951 and raised in Cedar Fork,
NC. He was their first born son. Jerry Deane Raynor and Brian Sandlin Raynor later joined the family as David's little brothers.
David grew up learning to work on the farm at an early age. He and Jerry often started their day out with chores before going to school. David always strived for perfection and worked very hard to be the very best at anything he did. David loved spending time with Jerry and Brian and there wasn't much those Raynor boys couldn't accomplish together. He took piano classes and his long fingers were an asset. He continued with his lessons until his teacher wouldn't let him play "Downtown" in his recital. After that, he was done with the piano. But, he always maintained his strong love for music. During his school years he participated in Beta Club, basketball, baseball and football.
David graduated from East Duplin High School in 1969 and then went into Basic Training with The National Guard in Fort Jackson, SC. When he completed Basic Training he began a lifelong career in telecommunications while learning several other trades along the way. David took after his uncles and began trucking in 1976, often traveling up and down the road with his brother Jerry. When David moved to Raleigh in 1987 he resumed his career in telecommunications and later started Raynor Communications. David took pride in doing a thorough job no matter what he was doing. When he started phasing out of the telecommunications business he planned for his working retirement by expanding in land clearing and landscaping. He loved playing in the dirt in his skid steer. David and Gail worked hard to have a spotless green manicured yard. He had many special neighbors and visitors over the years that would stop to admire their yard. David beamed with pride of his accomplishments.
On June 21, 1970 he wed his soulmate, Gail Mobley Raynor. It wasn't long before their first daughter, Lori Anne was born and followed by their 2nd daughter, Krystal Gail, 6 years later. David often lovingly referred to them as his #1 and #2. David was surrounded by his 3 girls and often pampered by them and was extremely well taken care of by Gail. David and Gail's heart grew exponentially when they got new roles as grandparents when his 1st granddaughter, Diana, was born in 2001. They added 2 more granddaughters, Avery and Abby, to the family in 2007 and 2009. There was no shortage of girls in David's family even with 2 family dogs, Margo and Bella and even girl bird dogs. David was outnumbered with all these girls until the first grandson, Alex David, his namesake arrived in 2014. David and Gail have celebrated 53 years as husband and wife. Times weren't always perfect, but their devotion to each other was like no other.
David had many friends during his years bird hunting and going to field trials. He had smart award winning dogs and a Grand Champion Pointer. David served as the President of the NC Bird Hunters Association. He enjoyed golfing, playing pool, smoking and often said he "heard his couch calling him." But, he was most happy when he was surrounded by his family.
David grew up surrounded with love from his siblings and many aunts and uncles.
Funeral Service:
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
7:00 PM
Visitation to follow
Community Funeral Home Chapel
Graveside Service:
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
11:00 AM
East Duplin Memorial Gardens
Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Raynor family.