Tony was so proud of all his kids and grandkids.  He absolutely cherished the relationships he had with them.   His family was on his mind all the time, even during hunting season (yes, you heard me right).  

Tony looked for ways to show his love to them all.  From diapers to donuts, shoes and construction skills, everyone received these expressions of love.  He adored his grandkids, and really enjoyed the past few years in retirement where he could spend more time with them.

Tony never knew a stranger, as I'm sure anyone who knew him would agree.  From Miss Rose at the Wal-Mart checkout to his dearest and closest friends, he treated them all alike.  He was genuinely humble, but received the greatest respect. He bought food and drinks for strangers who he believed were hungry or thirsty.  He comforted those who were hurting and struggling with life's challenges.  He was quick to reach out and seek forgiveness, and quick to forgive.  

I believe Tony will be most remembered for his big smile, his tender heart, and his joy in showing affection with hugs and kisses.  He especially enjoyed it when the person receiving it did not expect it.

Tony was a living example of Matthew 25:35-40
“ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink?  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

Tony's legacy is his example to live the life our Lord, Jesus Christ, called him to do.  When His Lord and Savior received him on that Friday morning, I know without a doubt that Jesus greeted Tony with these words from Matthew 25:21: 
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”
 
I will dearly miss my husband and best friend. To quote a note he wrote me, "Your snuggly and my cuddly were made for each other."  I thank God for the time we had together.  I will always love you Tony.

Tony really had a way of bringing people together. I feel honored and blessed to have shared such a precious moment with you all. I'm so glad to have grown closer to you. Thank you for embracing Kadyn, Bryon, and me. Much prayers and hugs to my family!

Tim, we pray that God will comfort you and your family during this time of grieving and that He will surround your family with His love. 

                                                     Joel and Tina Johnson (Kansas City KS)

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mary,  please know that I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing Tony when I visit Temple Baptist.Tony was always there to greet me. You are in my thought and prayers.
Kathy Brown-Snider (Marie Brown's daughter)

Tim, Tina, Tyler and Taylor,  We are very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Please let us know if we can help you in any way.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.  May you find peace and strength for the days and weeks ahead in God's word.

Tim, we are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The Leone family.

Mary..you & your family are in our prayers and we are so sorry for your loss...Matt & I will continue to pray for peace for you & your family..In His Love, Cindy & Matt Byrom

Mary and family,
We are praying for you all in your time of need just as Tony prayed for us. He helped nurture the friendship between Mary and I even though we weren't in the same dept. any longer.  We will keep praying in these days ahead as you figure things out.  We'll keep Tony's memory alive.  He was a great man of God.

Mary,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Tony was a wonderful man and he will be missed. Know of my prayers from Brazil as you honor and celebrate the legacy Tony lived!
In Christ,
Brent

Sorry Tim for your loss. We had no idea. -Linda and Gary

Tim,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Please know my thougths and prayers are with you, Tina and your entire family.  God Bless and may His peace comfort you.  Judy Martin

Mary and family, I am so sorry for your loss of Tony he was a wonderful man I enjoyed working with him at Lowe's and looked forward to his shopping trips so I could visit with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you .

Tim, So sorry for the loss of your father. May gods blessings guide you and your family during this hard time.

So so sorry for your loss Tim, I will keep you and the family in my thoughts and prayers.. God Bless.

Rayburn Family...I along with the ACT Family (Association of Civilian Technicians) send our condolences to your family on the Home Going of Tony. I had the chance of knowing Tony and working with him when he was the Chapter President & State Chairman of ACT Tennessee. He always made time to catch up with me on the news before we got down to ACT business. Tony was an inspiration to all who came in contact with him. Tennessee Air Guard is a better place to work today because of Tony's tireless efforts to make sure ALL employees rights were protected on the job. He was the working man / woman's advocate at work. He will be missed. We are praying for ya'll and may the Lord Bless ya'll...Keep The Faith, Terry Garnett, National President ACT

Mary, so sorry for your loss. We all love you and are lifting you and your family up  in our Prayers.

Mary, my heart is so heavy for you with the sudden loss of Tony.  My prayer is that God will continue to hold you and your family in His grip as you rely on His strength in the coming days and months.

Hi Mary,
The day back at the office has been interesting. I have had many calls, emails and visits about the loss of Tony! Everybody expresses their love and prayer support for you and your family. 
My prayers are continually with you! I look forward to seeing you soon!
In Christ, Marc

Mary, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  May the Lord bless you and give you comfort and strength.

Dear Mary, You have been in my thoughts  and prayers often.  I know Tony was a wonderful man by hearing the stories you shared during our time working together.  It was such a blessing to work with you.  I am sad that I will not be able to get away to come and see you at this time.  However, you will remain in my prayers.  Love,  Amanda Wright

Mary, my heart hurts for your loss, and my husband and I have been praying for you and your family continuously. What a blessed hope we have that allows us to be confident of where Tony is now - in a new, glorified body, and truly living! God bless you and comfort you during this time.

I have been praying for you and your family, Mary. I can only imagine the depth of your sudden loss, but praise the Lord that I can also rejoice that Tony is with His Lord! What an awesome reward. May God continue to sustain you in the days ahead. Continue to trust Him as He cares SO much for you and His love is infinite. Love, Repalma Williams

Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you all. You and your family are continually in my thoughts and prayers. I rejoice with you that Tony was a Godly man and is now in the arms of Jesus.

Mary, 
We love you and are continuing to lift you and your family in prayer through these difficult days. ~Isaiah 61

Mary, we are praying for you and the family.  We are heartbroken in Tony's passing, but know how many lives he touched for Christ.  What a wonderful legacy.  We love you and if you need anything, we are here.  Love in Christ, Bob, Shane, Stephanie and Rob Bagwell..

Hi Grandpa, I love you. I will miss going shoe shopping with you, and testing out new recipes on you. Thanks for always bringing cookies over our house. I love you and miss you. Have fun in heaven with God.

Hi, Grandpa. I love you and miss you a lot! But I know your doing alright in Heaven

Brother Tony invested well in life; with His family, the family of God at Temple Baptist and in his everyday service to his community and brethren. He shows me what is of value in the building of life. I am one of many, many who can see how to go forward because of his testimony in Christ.

Hi Papa. I love you too. Thank you for your doughnuts!

I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO BEGIN, TO EXPRESS HOW THANKFUL I AM, TO HAVE HAD THE HONOR OF MEETING BROTHER TONY. HE,WAS VERY INSTUMENTAL IN HELPING ME ACHIEVE MY 3 DEGRESS IN BECOMING A MASTER MASON. TONY, WAS A GREAT MAN AND FRIEND! ITS AN HONOR TO BE ABLE TO CALL HIM A BROTHER IN CHRIST AND IN THE LODGE.

OBITUARIO

Anthony Tony L Rayburn

20 junio, 1943 – 9 agosto, 2013

Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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