“I’m Free”
Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call: I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found my place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too shall miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow: I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savoured much; Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my life seemed all too brief: Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now, He set me free.
~ Honorary Pallbearers ~
The Raiford Family would like to express our sincere appreciation for all your prayers, love, and support during our time of loss. We will forever cherish your acts of kindness to our family. May God continue to bless us all in the days to come.
~The Family
~ Honorary Pallbearers ~
Marvin Stewart NaTorri Pigues
Keatris Austin Denarrius Pigues
Jyrome Richmond, Jr.
Keith Sessom
Sherman Sessom
Richard Summers
~ Active Pallbearers ~
JuJuan Austin Travinsky Austin
Kendall Holt
Curtis Lee Jones
Randy Holt
Tracey King
~ Committal Rites & Interment ~
Mt. Gilliam Cemetery
North Watson Road Byhalia, Mississippi
www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s
Reflections of Life
Mr. Robert Bruce Raiford was born on April 7, 1938, to the late Sherman Raiford, Sr. and Laura Tennial Raiford in Desoto County, Mississippi.
He confessed his life to Christ at an early age. He later married Mrs. Alice Brown, who preceded him in death.
In March 1, 1974, he started his career with Lehman Roberts Asphalt and Pavement. After 39 faithful years, he retired March 10, 2013
Mr. Raiford was preceded in death by one brother Sherman Raiford, Jr. and one sister, Lelia Newsom.
He leaves to cherish his four children, James Rayford (Sylvia) of Hernando, Mississippi, Randy Rayford (Evelyn) of Byhalia, Mississippi, Sylvia Rayford (Johnny) of Byhalia, Mississippi, and Marvin Stewart of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, his Godchildren; Patricia Sessom, Jerry Rayford, Ruthie Brounson, Lena Jones, Mary Stewart, James Stewart, and Maurice Stewart, his siblings, Lizzie Austin (T.H.), Bernice Jones, Annie Sessom, Prinsetta Raiford, Beatrice Sessom (George), Lucy Sanders, Shirley Redmond, Debra Richmond, Carl Raiford, and James Earl Raiford, eleven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Order of Service
Sunday, September 26, 2021 2:00 P.M.
New Mt. Gilliam M.B. Church 774 Stonewall Road
Byhalia, Missisippi 38661
Pastor Session, Pastor & Officiating
Processional
Scripture Readings: Old Testament........Deacon Charlie Higgins New Testament................Deacon Joe Davis
Prayer............................................Rev. Tony Taylor
Song...................................New Mt. Gilliam Chorus
Words of Encouragement...............Talmous Phillips
Expressions: (Three People, Two Minutes Please) Family & Friends
Resolution................................Mrs. Tamala Mosley
Acknowledgements..................Mrs. Tamala Mosley
Solo.....................................Mrs. Tawaunia Braxton
Eulogy...........................................…Pastor Session
Recessional
His Smile
Though his smile is gone forever and his hand I cannot touch, I still have so many memories of the one I loved so much. His memories are my keepsake with which I’ll never God has him in his keeping. I have him in my heart.
Baby sister Debra
