The Honorable Judge William Wightman Rayburn

He was born in Montgomery, Alabama on January 11, 1928 during the time his father, Judge Wightman Melton Rayburn was serving as Assistant Attorney General. He graduated from Marion Military Institute in 1946. He received a B.S. degree from the University of Alabama and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Alabama School of Law. He was a veteran serving in Germany during the Korean War and served 2 years in the United States Infantry. He served as a legal officer in the Army Reserve. He was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W. He practiced law until appointed Etowah County Judge in June, 1955 by Governor Jim Folsom. He was twice elected Etowah County Judge, five times elected District Attorney-16th Judicial Circuit of Alabama, past President of the Alabama District Attorney Association from 1972-1973. He was appointed Supernumerary District Attorney in January 1987. He was a member of Etowah County and the American Bar Association and Special member of the Alabama Bar Association. First and foremost, he was a dedicated member and deacon at the First Baptist Church of Gadsden. He taught The Rayburn Sunday School Class for many years. He touched many lives through his many years as a public servant, through his dedication as a servant to the Lord and was the epitome of a father. Praise the Lord for how he lived his life as a devoted husband, beloved father and proclaimed proficiently the law of Alabama and the words of our Heavenly Father.

He is survived by his honored three daughters, Mrs. Barbara (Babs) Rayburn Goodlett, Tyler, Texas, Mrs. Rebecca (Becky) Rayburn Stone, Duluth, Georgia, Ms. Rhonda Rayburn Morgan, Birmingham, Alabama, his five grandchildren, Mrs. Christy Stone Fraley, Suwanne, Georgia, Mr. Taylor Avery Goodlett, Tyler, Texas, Mr. Seth Vernon Goodlett, Tyler, Texas, Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan Johnson, Phoenix, Arizona, Mr. James Orville Morgan, IV, Birmingham, Alabama and his five great grandchildren, Madison Vaughn Fraley, Suwanne, Georgia, Juliet Ann Johnson, Phoenix, Arizona, Joaquin Avery Goodlett, Tyler, Texas, Luke Charles Johnson, Phoenix, Arizona and Caroline Grace Morgan, Birmingham, Alabama.

He is predeceased by his father, Judge Wightman Melton Rayburn, Mother, Ruby Askew Rayburn, his sister, Carol Rayburn Reagan, and his beloved and cherished wife, Barbara Vaughn Rayburn.

Services will be a 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Nowlin Chapel at First Baptist Church of Gadsden. The Rev. Larry Fuhrman and Pastor Mat Alexander will officiate. A graveside and burial will follow at Forrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing.

Pallbearers will be his sons-in-law, grandsons and nephew.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Gadsden.

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.