Rayford Lee Hamil

Rayford Lee Hamil, of Grapevine, Texas, died Friday, April 3, 2015 at his home. He was age 78 years, 6 months, and 28 days. Rayford was born on Friday, September 4, 1936 to Lynox H. and Opal Lois Craig Hamil in Greggton, Texas. He lived in Grapevine for over 30 years, moving there from Houston, Texas. Baseball was a lifelong interest for Rayford. After playing throughout his childhood and high school years, he attended the University of Houston on a baseball scholarship. His southpaw pitching skills helped his team win the Amateur National Baseball Championship in 1954 then again in 1955. Following his many years as a player, for the next 26 years, he was an umpire at all levels – high school, collegiate, and professional. Rayford was an active member at United Memorial Christian Church where he served as both Deacon and Trustee. In his career in credit management, he was Chairman of the Dallas Home Builders Group (1 term), Fort Worth Builders Industry Group (2 terms), and Wholesale Lumber Group (2 terms). After his retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and engraving, starting a custom laser engraving business. Rayford is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his cherished wife of 58 years Peggy Ruth Rose Hamil; daughter Glenda Marie Hamil Reed and her husband Randall Reed; son Stephen Lee Hamil and his wife Melanie Hamil; brother Harvey James Hamil; granddaughter Jennifer Lee Hamil-Renfro and her husband James Renfro; great-grandchildren Cheyenne Michelle Hamil-Renfro and Ayden Bryant Hamil; extended family; and many friends. The Celebration of Life service for Rayford will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 4:00 pm at the United Memorial Christian Church, 1401 North Main Street, Euless, Texas. Pastor Mary Lou Dillon will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that a memorial contribution be made in Rayford’s name either to United Memorial Christian Church or the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences and remembrances may be left at www.restlandcoppell.com. Local arrangements are under the direction of Restland-Coppell Funeral Home & Crematory, 400 Freeport Parkway, Coppell, Texas 75019.