Wilbert Rayner

Wilbert Rayner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend was born on May 25, 1931, in Clinton, NC, to the late John and Neadie Rayner. He departed this earthly life on December 13, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by family in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Wilbert was born into a large farming family in Clinton, NC., and from a very early age he learned the value of hard work and education from his parents. Throughout his life he dedicated himself to his faith, family, work and service. He attended primary school in the Sampson County Public School System in North Carolina. He later continued his secondary education at North Carolina A & T University where he studied industrial engineering and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts. Inspired by his father’s focus on education, Wilbert went on to complete his Master’s degree, and pursued a Doctorate degree at UNC Chapel Hill.

After graduating from college, he went on to serve in the Army from 1953-1955, receiving an award for his exemplary service. After serving in the Armed Forces he began his career as an educator, first teaching in Clinton, NC. And then moving in 1957 to South Florida and took a position as an Industrial Arts teacher at Attucks High School, and later at Hollywood Hills High School where he retired in 1983. For almost 30 years he touched many lives with his dedication and compassion for his students and his focus on excellence. Throughout his career, he received many awards in Industrial Arts and his students continued to visit him for decades after his retirement.

While working at Attucks Highschool, Wilbert met the love of his life Christine Ruffin, a Librarian at Dillard Highschool, they met in August and were married on December 25, 1957 settling down in Fort Lauderdale, and later in Plantation, FL., Together they had 3 beautiful children, Landry, Dwayne and Lisa. Wilbert and Christine would later become prolific real estate investors, both retiring from teaching by the age of 52.

Wilbert grew up in a deeply religious Christian household. He was greatly influenced by both his father John and his mother Neadie, and while growing up, he played piano for the church choir. Music was a great source of joy for Wilbert. Wilbert played the organ, piano and guitar. And passed on his love of music to his children.

Wilbert and Christine continued to grow their love of God and became Baha’is. Together they served the Baha’i community in Fort Lauderdale and Plantation, FL hosting numerous “Unity” oriented activities and events in their home. Wilbert was a source of love, strength, and quiet support for his wife Christine, and a source of inspiration and encouragement to all who knew him. Many looked up to him as a father figure known for his generosity and wisdom, as he left a lasting impact on his community and loved ones.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Christine Ruffin Rayner, his children Landry Rayner, Dwayne (Zia) Rayner, and Lisa Rayner. Wilbert’s love lives on through his grandchildren: Darius Rush, Michael Wilbert Rush, Soleil Badi-Nizin Rayner, Seraphine Anis-Nizin Rayner, Elijah Qudus-Nizin Rayner, Ephraim Nabil-Nizin Rayner, and Dylan Christina Rush.

Wilbert is survived by his loving siblings Arethea Rayner Reddick, Gifford Raynor, Rayford (Reva) Rayner, Hildred (James) Butler, Thurman (Aliene) Rayner, Raphel Rayner and Genita (Ronald) Moore. He is reunited in eternal peace with his siblings EJ Rayner, Lois Blackman, Lee Robinson, Annie Cooper, Milford Raynor, Fulton Rayner and Lawrence Rayner. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory

A Celebration of Life will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, located at 2401 Southwest 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317, on December 18, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by burial.

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