Raymond C. Raiford

Raymond Clark Raiford “Pike” was born April 17, 1947 in Riviera Beach, FL to the late John L. Raiford, Sr. and Lessie Wadley Raiford. He was the seventh of nine children born to this union. Raymond answered his heavenly Father's call and transitioned to be present with the Lord on Sunday, October 24, 2021, 2:30 am in West Palm Beach, FL. Raymond matriculated through the Palm Beach County School System graduating in 1965 from John F. Kennedy High School. Upon graduation, Raymond enlisted in the U. S Airforce where he trained as a medic. Raymond accepted Christ and was a member of Beulah Land Worship Center Church of God in Christ, under the pastoral care of his brother, the late Superintendent Dr. Norman L. Raiford. Raymond was a devoted reader of the Bible and trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. He also loved to hear Bishop Patterson preach.

Raymond was a passionate soul food cook, who, by his own account, made potato salad exactly like his mama. And every other dish was tasty too: oxtail in gravy, mac and cheese, collards, roasts...you name it! As one of 9 children to John and Lessie Raiford (3 girls and 6 boys) it seems all the Raiford brothers liked Westerns, and Raymond was no exception. In his spare time Raymond enjoyed connecting with family and friends via Facebook, where he regularly signed off after each of his posts “Love Papa” or “Love Daddy” or “Love your brother, your uncle, etc.”

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Sadie Alcenia Raiford and Janice Raiford Lofton; brothers John L. Raiford, Jr., Norman L. Raiford, James “Zeke” Raiford, and Theodore “Ted” Raiford. Raymond leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Jerris Raiford, Atlanta, GA, Terris Raiford Ross (Tremaine), Atlanta, GA, Tia Raiford, Ft. Worth, TX and Samantha Griffin, Riviera Beach, FL; his son, Myron Johnson, Riviera Beach, FL; seven grandchildren, Bryanna Anderson, Lauryn Anderson, Reggie Anderson, Chase Sigler, Corbin Griffin, Casen Griffin and Jackson Ross; one sister, Gloria Raiford Hoskins (Lewis), Lansing, MI; one brother, Clyde Raiford, Bowling Green, FL; a host of nieces, Cindy M. Raiford-Small, Trina Raiford Koon, April Raiford, Rhonda Raiford and Joy Hoskins; a host of nephews, Crail Raiford, Eric Raiford, Shan Raiford, Theodore Raiford, Jr. and Lewis Alvon Hoskins; two sisters-in-law, Medialean Raiford and Albertina Raiford. Raymond was also privileged to have dear friends, including Ronald “Sarge” DeLoach, Mildred Smith-Jones, Jacqueline Fernanda, and a host of other relatives, friends and neighbors. Raymond will forever be remembered for his love and kindness towards others, including his family, friends and church members. Raymond had an infectious, gritty laugh that would make anybody laugh in turn, along with many other endearing qualities.