Mr. Relihan was born November 28, 1920 in Walpole, NH, son of the late Dennis and Catherine Relihan. He graduated from Stevens High School in Claremont, NH and from Embry-Riddle University. He was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran of World War II, serving in the Fourteenth Air Force as a communication specialist and air traffic controller.
Mr. Relihan was Chief Engineer and part owner of WLBB in Carrollton, GA and also Chief Engineer in Cedartown, WGAA. Then later was the Chief Engineer and radio announcer – better known as “The Park Avenue Hillbilly” with WTRP in LaGrange, GA. In 1965, Mr. Relihan became the Chief Engineer of LaGrange Cable TV and then developed cable systems in Newnan, Thomaston, and Manchester. He was the primary member of the National Association of Broadcast Engineers and the Georgia Television Association. Mr. Relihan was the official weather man of Troup County for 25 years. He was a charter member of the local Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree), charter member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church since 1952, and a lifetime member of the Georgia Radio Museum and Hall of Fame.
He was a devoted husband and loving father. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John Dennis Relihan, and his wife of 56 years, Sarah Glanton Relihan.
Survivors include his daughter, Nancy Relihan of LaGrange, GA.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 17, 2018 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Father Timothy A. Gadziala officiating. Burial will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery. The Rosary will be said at 5:00 P.M. Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, LaGrange, GA. The visitation will follow from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Hospice LaGrange, or Florence Hand Home in memory of Rayfield J. Relihan.
Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.
Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636
