In the afternoon of Sunday, October 4, 2015, a big heart gave out, and a big man, our husband, father and son, Little Ray, age 34, went home to be with the Lord. He was a resident of Stuarts Draft.
Rayburn was the husband of Jennifer Good Harris, and the father of Lucas Corinthian Harris, Elizabeth Grace Harris and Isabella Reann Merberger. He was the son of Ray, Sr. and Elizabeth Harris of Staunton.
Rayburn was born on January 11, 1981, and attended Augusta County schools, graduating from Riverheads High School in 1999. He was a professional truck driver at heart, having declared early in life he wanted to drive big rigs when he was grown. He drove for various trucking firms over the years, and most recently was employed by IDM Trucking. He had also been employed in home renovation. He enjoyed a special bond with his 66 granddaddy and was delighted the day he topped his granddaddy, reaching 69, could lay his arm across his granddaddys shoulders, returning his granddaddys familiar greeting of how are you doing little fellow? He had a wonderful sense of humor, always had a joke to share, or a one-liner to break the strain of a tense moment. He was a loving father and husband and in the brief time he was here on earth, he touched the hearts of so many. At 69 and gentle beyond compare, kids gravitated to him, and he happily was a human jungle gym for their entertainment. He loved to fish with his Dad and friends, and was teaching his three year old daughter to cast. She had boldly declared she was ready to go out with Daddy and Granddaddy on the boat. He was an avid animal lover, rescuer of homeless animals whenever he saw a need, a habit he said was all his Moms doing. He leaves three dogs who knew he was their pillow pet.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary prior to the service.
A Celebration of life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Hebron Presbyterian Church by Rev. JoAnn Bunn.
Burial will be following the service in the church cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will be held following the interment
at Mill Street Grill.
It is suggested those desiring make memorial contributions to Mr.
Harris children trust account, c/o of Mr. Rayburn E. Harris, Sr., 1088 Eidson Creek Road, Staunton, VA 24401.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.