Robert Larry "Larry" Raffield

He was born on January 17, 1940, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Ruby Nichols Raffield and English Doby Raffield Jr. In 1956, at the age of 16, he moved with his family to Jackson, Mississippi, where he would build a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and service.

After graduating from Jackson Central High School in 1960, Larry attended the University of Southern Mississippi. In January 1962, he married the love of his life, Jane Carolyn Sills and although he attended USM,he learned pretty quickly after marrying Jane that he was actually an Ole Miss Rebel. Together they shared a beautiful marriage filled with love, laughter, hospitality, and devotion to family. They were married for 64 years before Jane’s passing in January 2026.

Larry began his career with the Mississippi Department of Transportation in 1963 and faithfully served the state for more than four decades. He retired in 2005 as Director of Support Services.

A devoted man of faith, Larry was an active member of Broadmoor Baptist Church beginning in 1963. He also dedicated many years to the Exchange Club of North Jackson and proudly served as President of the Mississippi District Exchange Club.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and English D. Raffield Jr.; his beloved wife, Jane Sills Raffield; his daughter, Melissa Raffield Hudgens; his in-laws, Alma and T.D. Sills Sr.; his sisters-in-law, Janelle Fortenberry and Virginia “Ginny” Mahaffey; his brothers-in-law, Milford Sills, Billy Joe Sills, Jerry Sills, T.D. Sills Jr., Glenn Sills, Jim Fortenberry; and his nephew, Joel Sills.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Sara Raffield; his son, Michael Raffield (Melanie); his grandchildren, Emily Raffield Burton (Will), Robbie Raffield, Chris Chisholm (Samantha), Baylea Blough, and Josh Hudgens; six great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Peggy and Bill Araiza; his sisters-in-law, Madge Moody and Charlotte Mann; his cousin, Carolyn Raffield Gidney and her husband Bob; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews whom he loved dearly.

Larry never met a gathering he didn’t enjoy hosting. He loved cooking both indoors and out and was “family famous” for making the best smoked brisket and potato salad you ever tasted. Whether he and Jane were hosting a wedding reception or simply welcoming a few people around the kitchen table for good conversation, Larry was always all in. He loved deeply, gave generously, and made everyone feel at home.

Above all else, Larry loved his family, and they loved him dearly. His steady presence, warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering love will be missed more than words can express.

Join us as we celebrate Larry’s life on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland. Visitation will be from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m., with burial immediately afterward at Parkway Memorial Cemetery.