Scott Jerome Rayburn

We're here today to celebrate the life of Scott Jerome Rayburn-a husband, a dad, a brother, an

uncle, a friend, and to his grandkids, the one and only Papa Scott. He left us on August 24,

2025, at the age of 63, and while our hearts are heavy, we want to remember him the way he

lived-with the pedal to the metal, full throttle.

Scott was born on September 23, 1961, at Rantoul Air Force Base in Illinois, to Barbara and

George Rayburn. He grew up with his siblings-Rick, Camron, and Tiffany-sharing

childhood adventures, challenges, and a bond that lasted all his life. He was the best brother and

a protector for his siblings. When his mom, Barbara, later married Billy Woods, the family made

their home in Yukon, Oklahoma, where Scott graduated from Yukon High School in 1979.

In 1981, Scott married his true love, Melodie Ann Wallis. Together, they raised three

children-Jennifer, Erin, and Kyle-and built a life filled with love and laughter. He was later

blessed with six grandchildren, Olivia, Drake, Walker, Rowen, Baker, and Rory, who all knew

him as Papa Scott. He was also a proud uncle to Kaylee, Analise, Nicholas, Kale, Logan, and

KT, sharing love, guidance, and plenty of laughter with them over the years.

Scott was a man of many talents. He could fix or build just about anything, and if it had wheels,

an engine, or moving parts, Scott knew how to make it run. He was a master painter, welder,

fabricator, and a creative force like no other. He owned and operated S&R Paint and Body and

Aerospace Refinishing, and later worked at Cooper BMW, where his skill, dedication, and

intelligence were admired by all who knew him.

But Scott wasn't all work; he loved life and people. He played in an adult softball league and,

over the years, tried just about every sport imaginable. Scott was a thrill-seeker and loved

anything that got his adrenaline pumping. He even coached Kyle's fourth-grade baseball team.

He literally never sat still.

Scott's lifelong passion was building hot rod engines and racing go-karts. He was as fast as

lightning. In later years, he shared his love of tinkering and fixing by working on motorcycles

and cars with his kids and grandkids, creating memories that will last a lifetime, even though

none of them knew how to hold the flashlight.

He had a deep booming voice that would fill an entire room, one you wouldn't forget. Scott

never met a stranger. Everywhere he went, he made an instant friend. If you were one of "his

people," there wasn't a thing he wouldn't do for you. He was loyal, generous, kind, and always

ready to lend a hand or share a laugh.

Scott was preceded in death by his loving parents, Barbara and Billy Woods, grandparents,

Lloyd and Patricia Morse, and by his daughter, Erin Rayburn. Though we mourn their loss,

their love and influence lived on in Scott, and in all of us who carry him in our hearts.

When we remember Scott, we'll think of his steady hands, his warm smile, and his big heart.

We'll remember the joy he found in both big adventures and the little moments. We'll remember

him as a husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and Papa Scott-someone who gave his love

freely and made life brighter for everyone around him. Rest easy, Old Man.