Reverend Rayford Lee Etherton

Reverend Rayford Lee Etherton, age 88, died peacefully April 15, 2025 at Heritage Health Care after an extended illness. He was born April 27, 1936, to Acie Oscar and Grace Strange Etherton of Rainsville, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Acie Etherton and Thurmon Etherton, and Swannelle Cassidy Etherton, his loving wife of 54 years.
Reverend Etherton received a Bachelor of Arts with high academic honors from The University of Alabama, as well as a Master of Divinity from Duke University. He answered the call to ministry in 1963 and served faithfully and willingly until his retirement in 2001. He pastored the following appointments within the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church: Henryville/Hebron, Southside, Vernon First/Oak Hill, Alberta, Roanoke First, Trussville First, Roanoke District Superintendent, and Executive Director of Superannuate Homes and Office of Ordained Ministry.
Reverend Etherton led congregations with both vision and heart. His leadership style was marked by clarity of purpose, courageous decision-making, and an uncanny ability to bring people together despite their differences. However, what many will remember most is the way he led with a grin. His sense of humor could defuse a tense church board meeting with a well-timed quip, deliver a sermon on judgement with a joke about his golf game, and make even skeptics laugh and listen. Throughout his ministry, Reverend Etherton was trusted by people on every side of the aisle. He believed leadership wasn't about control but trust.
Reverend Etherton would be the first to tell anyone that his successful ministry could not have been possible without the love and support given by his one true love, Swannie. Her steadfast devotion and quiet strength made her a valuable part of his ministry. She believed deeply that ministry was not only a calling for her husband but a shared mission.
He is survived by two children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren: Rayford Lee Etherton, Jr. (Caroline) of Mobile and their children, Elizabeth, Russ, (Blair), Guy (Kimberly); Beth Winston Roberts (Paul) and their children, Allison Tillery, William Winston (Zoe), John, and Mary Grace. He is also survived by his sister, Jean Clark of Rome, Georgia, and many nieces and nephews.
Reverend Etherton's life will be celebrated at First United Methodist Church on Monday, April 21 with a private burial. There will be a visitation beginning at noon and a service to follow at 1:00 in the Sanctuary. Reverend Clinton Hubbard and Reverend Gary Ward will officiate. Pallbearers will be his grandsons William Winston, Russ Etherton, Guy Etherton, and John Roberts. Honorary pallbearers will be the Artos Sunday School class of First United Methodist Church, the staff of Morning Pointe of Tuscaloosa, Dr. Scott Fulgham, and the staff of Oasis Hospice. The family wishes to give special thanks to Shanique Taylor for her love, care, and compassion given during the last months of his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, Oasis Hospice, or the charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, April 21, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Tuscaloosa First United Methodist Church with Dr. Clinton Hubbard Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 12:00 Noon until service time at 1:00 P.M.