William “Jim” Rayburn, 92, of Vanceburg, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Care Center at Kenton Pointe in Maysville.
He was born September 17, 1931, in Fleming County, a son of the late Elmer Thomas and Vena Ackley Rayburn.
Jim was a member of Union Baptist Church where he drove the church van for many years, taking children from Oak Ridge, Petersville, Kinniconick, and Holly to and from church. In Jim’s younger years, he operated a coal truck to deliver coal to schools in thecounty. He later worked for several years at Lucky Stride Shoe Factory in Maysville until he and his Ruby saved up enough to buy their Lewis County farm. Jim had dairy cattle, and raised tobacco, corn, hay, and large gardens. He milked cows for over 35 years. After getting out of the dairy business, he raised Charolais cattle until he was in his early 80s. Jim enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds and University of Kentucky Wildcats, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a great pillar in the community and will be sadly missed by all.
Survivors include his loving wife of 72 years, Ruby Jean Kegley Rayburn; two daughters, Marsha (Steve) Wells of Flemingsburg and Karen Rayburn of Edgewood; one sister, Marcella Mason of Aberdeen, Ohio; two brothers, Edgar (Naomi) Rayburn of Bucyrus, Ohio, and Dale Rayburn of Covington; a sister-in-law, Madeline Rayburn; two grandsons, Brent (Stacy) Wells and Kevin (Tina) Wells; and five great-grandchildren, Sofia Wells, Madelyn Wells, Tyson Wells, Harrison Wells, and Lylah Wells. Many other family members and friends also survive who will sadly miss him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruthie Rayburn Shaw; five brothers, George Rayburn, Robert Rayburn, Paul Rayburn, Allen Rayburn, and Jerry Rayburn; and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Rayburn.
Services will be at Noon Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Union Baptist Church, 8102 KY 344 south of Vanceburg, with Pastor Joe Watson officiating. Burial will follow in McEldowney Cemetery.
Friends may visit after 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Union Baptist Church.
Dickerson Funeral Home in Vanceburg is honored to serve the family of William “Jim” Rayburn.
Condolences may be sent at www.globefamilyfc.com.
