Birth Date: 06/05/1934
Deceased Date: 08/11/2024
Mr. John “Rayford” Lawhorn, 90, of Newton Grove, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on June 5, 1934 in Johnston County to the late Fernie D. and Lela Jane Lawhorn.
At the age of 18, he started driving a transfer truck for Newton Lee. He also drove for Glenn Flowers, Thomas Tart, Douglas Blackman and Charlie Warren. Semi-retired he hauled fertilizer and sweet potatoes for William Johnson with Carolina Eastern. It was Byron Rose that gave him the nickname Baby Doll.
On December 12, 1959, he married the love of his life, Loraine Jackson Lawhorn. His favorite pastime was spent on the seat of his John Deer tractor, gardening.
Rayford is preceded in death by his parents, Fernie D. Lawhorn and Lela Jane Norris Lawhorn; siblings, James Lawhorn, Magaline Smith, Vera Lee Ennis, and Donald Lawhorn.
He leaves behind a wife of 64 years, Loraine J. Lawhorn; children, Deanna Lawhorn, Kim Lawhorn Pope and Keith R. Lawhorn (Jenny); grandchildren, Brandon McLamb (Katie), Brittany Hamilton (Donnie), Brooke Winters (Andrew), Tyler Lawhorn (Chelsie), Courtney Barefoot (Johnathan), and Katie Brooks (Alex); great-grandchildren, Rhett, Ava, Nash, Waylon, Mason, Lawson, Bristol, Cole, Luke, Olivia, and Ella Kate; sisters, Betty Barbour and Helen Strickland.
The family will be receiving friends at West & Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will be held at West & Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 11:00 am with Rev. Horace Johnson officiating.
He will be laid to rest at Unity Presbyterian Church Cemetery of Newton Grove.
West & Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove is honored to serve the John Rayford Lawhorn Family.
