Franklin D. Rayford

1944 - 2020

Franklin D. Rayford was born on February 23, 1944 to the late Major Rayford and Frances Hargrove Rayford in St. Francisville, LA. Frank left St. Francisville at 17 years old and moved to Kenner, LA for a short time. Frank soon made the decision to make New Orleans his home. Frank attended John S. Dawson High School in St. Francisville. He was a hardworking man having worked as a Machinist and Lead Supervisor at Luzianne Coffee and Blue Plate/Reilly Foods for 40 years before Hurricane Katrina forced him into retirement. Frank died Monday, April 6, 2020 at his home in New Orleans, LA. He was 76 years old. Having been raised in the church Frank accepted Christ at a young age. However, Frank was 75 years young when he re-dedicated his life and decided to get baptized. Frank was baptized on his 76th birthday by Pastor Oliver Duvernay at Free Mission Baptist Church in New Orleans' lower ninth ward where he became a faithful member. Frank is survived by his only child, a loving daughter, Carolyn Wilson and grandchildren Kahelia Hannon and Keilah Wilson. Frank would affectionally call himself Obama with his three girls as he noted the gender similarity between himself and President Barack Obama who also has three females in his immediate family. Frank leaves to cherish his long time, devoted friend Audrey Anderson, granddaughter, Ireonell Handy, and God-daughter Lory Jones-Patterson. Frank is also survived by his brothers Joseph, Andrew, John, Richard, and Bennett Rayford; sisters Elzina Wright and Shirley Croft. He is preceded in death by his brothers the late Elvin, Leroy, Milton, and Clarence Rayford and sister, the late Luiza Rayford. Frank also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Due to government regulations, only a limited number of relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Services on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home, 2120 Jackson Avenue at 10:00 am. Interment Holt Cemetery, 535 City Park Avenue, LA 70119 . The family asks those who are unable to attend to stand for a moment of silent prayer at 10 am in honor of the life and service of Frank. You may sign the guest book on www.gertrudegeddeswillis.com. Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home, Inc. in charge. (504) 522-2525.