He was born the youngest of 5 boys on April 27, 1937 in Lawrenceburg, TN, to TD Rayfield, a farmer and high school principal, and Coy Estoile Rayfield, a telephone operator. Raised on the Rayfield farm, internalizing values of hard work and education, Rex graduated from Lawrence County High School a student-athlete and football MVP. He married his high school sweetheart Mary Beth Parkes in 1956 who preceded him in death in 1989. They started a family that he would see grow to seven children, 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Rex served in the army while earning a second bachelor’s degree and went on to start his own company, PlasTech Corporation, which recently celebrated 40 years of operation.
A three sport athlete throughout his school days, he was also the consummate coach of both sports and life. He loved the adventures he shared with his ever-growing family – hiking and camping in the Colorado mountains with his 7 children in tow, fishing in lakes and streams from Colorado to Alaska to New Zealand, and skiing the powder with his grandchildren. Every adventure was not just about starting a fire without a match, landing a trout on a fly, or a parallel turn on their skis – it carried with it timeless lessons of life and living examples of determination, integrity, humility and compassion. Regularly touted as “the sweetest man I’ve ever met,” he had an infectious smile and a unique laugh, he loved the funny pages – especially Calvin and Hobbes- could sing along to most any John Denver song, and had an affinity for boxed wine.
In 1992, Rex married Ara Wagner and they enjoyed the next 27 years full of love, trips in the RV, and joyful times with rod and reel. With a continued passion for sport, fishing and adventure, Rex and Ara traveled to softball complexes around the country, hosted numerous lake house gatherings, and celebrated many family accomplishments and milestones.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Bruce, Donald, and Michael. He is survived by his wife Ara, his children Pam (Jack) Fitzsimmons, Janet Rayfield, Rex (Lori) Rayfield, Diana Rode, Amy (Brent) Erschen, Debra (Brandon) Hurley, Sharon (Jayson) Haynes; grandchildren Meghan Felter (Daniel), Johnny Fitzsimmons (Jordan), Kevin and Kathryn Fitzsimmons, Emily Fodemski (Gavin), Rex III “Trey” and Jordan Rayfield, Taylor, Connor and Ryan Rode, Beth and Abby Erschen, Lauren and Jenna Hurley, Brooke and Della Haynes; greatgrandchildren Eliana, Rusty, Ezekiel and Gabriel Rex Felter, Sloan and Quinn Fitzsimmons, Weston, Pierce and Wade Fodemski, his brother Gene, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A viewing and visitation will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church, 12521 Inwood Road, Dallas, Texas on January 10, 2020 at 7:00 pm. A service will take place on January 11, 2020 at 1:00 pm also at St. Rita Catholic Church with a reception immediately following. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rex Rayfield Sr. Memorial fund to help support teachers and coaches. Send all donations to 1404 West Church Street, Champaign, IL 61821.
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