Rayford Richard Milstead,

Rayford Richard Milstead, age 77, of Taylorsville, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at Frye Regional Medical Center. He was born on April 2, 1937 in Alexander County to the late Jay Richard Milstead and Mary Sue Herman Milstead. He worked at Smithey's as a butcher before becoming an oil truck driver for a total of 25 years. He farmed for the remainder of his life. Rayford was a member of Mt. Herman Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, and was a member of the Benevolence Committee. He served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Ellendale Fire Department and for Farm Bureau. Rayford loved his grandchildren and attending Gospel singings. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers: infant Ned William Milstead, and Lynn Edward Milstead; and neice: Dana Pharr. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 57 years, Ruby Richie Milstead; son: Randy Milstead and wife Penny; daughters: Darlene Barnes and husband Joe, and Angie Kirby and husband Don; grandchildren: Debra Clark and husband Thomas, Erin Richter and husband Jeff, Jason Milstead and fiance Sara, Amy and Emily Barnes, and Hope Kirby; great grandchildren: Colby, Addison, and Gracie Clark, and Cooper Richter; brothers: Clayton Milstead and Richard Milstead; sisters: Evelyn Lackey, Thelma Harrington, and Judy Pharr; and a number of nieces and nephews, all of Taylorsville.



Visitation will be Tuesday, August 26, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Alexander Funeral Service. The funeral service will be Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 4:00 pm at Mt. Herman Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Schronce officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Mt. Herman Baptist Church: PO Box 697; Taylorsville, NC 28681, or to Gideons International Taylorsville Camp: PO Box 517; Taylorsville, NC 28681.