Cecil Eugene Rayburn

Cecil Eugene (Gene) Rayburn, 72, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away January 25, 2017, after a brave fight with cancer. Gene was a member of Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church where he served as coordinator of audio-visual services for many years. He retired from Knox County Schools where he taught computer aided drafting for 26 years, previously having worked for Xerox Corporation and Tennessee Valley Authority as a model maker. He was a member of Bearden Active Retired Teachers (BRATs), facilitating meetings and communications. Gene collected antique clocks for many years, following in his father's footsteps. He was a member of National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, where he held offices of president and vice president of the local chapter and served as chairman of auctions for many regional conventions. He was awarded Fellow of NAWCC in 2002. In retirement Gene enjoyed carving classes at John T. O'Connor Senior Center and RV camping. Gene is survived by loving wife of 52 years, Martha Rayburn; daughters Elise (Jim) Myers of Knoxville, Tennessee; Kristin (Todd) Livesay of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and April (Robb) Phillips of Johns Creek, Georgia; grandchildren Aaron, Casey and Sydney Bright; Laura, Mary and Sam Livesay; Celia and Bo Phillips; brother and sister-in-law Don and Marian Rayburn of Stevenson, Alabama. Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, at Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church, 7753 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee, with service following, Rev. Larry Dial officiating. Graveside service and interment will be at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Birmingham, Alabama, at 1:00 pm (Central time) on Sunday, January 29, Rev. Stephen Gooch officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Family Life Center at Beaver Ridge UMC, 7753 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37931, or to the charity of choice. Arrangements under the direction of Weaver Funeral Home, 5815 Western Avenue; Knoxville, TN. www.weaverfuneralservices.com