Rayford Lee Sissom

Ray was born at home on November 11, 1943 in Manchester, Tennessee. He was part of the first graduating class at the newly built Warren Central High School in 1961. Ray helped lead the school’s team to many victories in both cross-country and track during his four years at Warren. After graduation Ray enlisted in the Air Force. He served stateside for four years as a data processing machine operator in the technology field that ultimately became his profession. He received an associate’s degree in computer technology from Indiana Vocational Technical College. In addition to his full-time job, Ray taught COBOL, RPG and data entry part-time at Ivy Tech for many years. He retired as a programmer/systems analyst/project leader from Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield in 2002.

Ray met his second wife Phyllis (deceased) when he was her instructor for a computer card keypunch course at Ivy Tech. Years later, they ran into each other on the street and were married in 1981. Ray and Phyllis were members of Southport United Methodist Church for over 20 years. They loved to travel together. Some of their most memorable vacations included an Alaskan cruise and countless trips to national parks. In his free time, Ray enjoyed fishing, looking for lost treasures with his metal detector, and spending time with family. Whenever there was a birthday party, milestone for the grandkids, or a family gathering, you could count on Ray and Phyllis to be part of the celebration.

Father, son, husband, brother, friend, Ray will be greatly missed. He is survived by daughters Christine Pope and Lisa Pethtel (Eric); sons Daniel Sissom and Andy [Gabe] Van Dyne (Christopher); sister Melva Coffin (Richard); brother Gary Sissom; nine grandkids, five great grandkids plus two on the way, and several nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his wife Phyllis, father Lelon Sissom, mother Margaret Louise Vandivier, and son-in-law Leslie Pope.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, 920 Central Avenue, Connersville, IN 47331. Funeral service will begin at 3:00 pm. Following the service, Ray will be laid to rest with military honors at Valley Grove Cemetery, State Route 1 (on the west side of the road), Milton, IN 47357.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/connersville-in/rayford-sissom-11722043

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you help create a lasting impact for future generations by making a memorial contribution in Rayford Sissom’s name for Warren Central High School (WCHS) Athletics. Your donations will help buy much needed uniforms and equipment for students participating in the high school’s cross-country and track programs. Donations can be made via cash or check made payable to Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Rayford Sissom WCHS in the memo line. The family sincerely thanks you in advance for your generosity towards the Athletic program that made such a difference in Ray’s life.