Rayford O. Thompson

Rayford O. Thompson Jr., 87, of Jefferson City, passed away Saturday, December 24, 2016, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital. He was born April 11, 1929, in Nashville, Tennessee, a son of the late Rayford O. and Frances M. (Neer) Thompson. He was a 1954 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. On February 10, 1957, Rayford was united in marriage in Hendersonville, Tennessee, to Eva Elizabeth Worsham, who survives at their home. Rayford worked for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industries, serving as Director at the time of his retirement at the age of 65. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, and proudly served from 1948-1952. Rayford was a member of Concord Baptist Church, where for a number of years he served as a teacher of one of the men's Sunday school classes. He was a member of the Sunrise Optimist Club, and enjoyed participating in various agriculture organizations. He enjoyed gardening, walking, and spending time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Along with his wife, Rayford is also survived by a son: Rayford O. Thompson III (wife Cathy) of Columbia, S.C.; a daughter: Sandra Lee Thompson Brown (husband Johnny Lee) of Troy, Ala.; one sister: Betty Ruth Ralph of Goodlettsville, Tenn.; three brothers: Charles Ross Thompson, Chester Allen Thompson and Larry Thompson, all of Hendersonville, Tenn.; five grandchildren: Eric Ray Thompson, Seth Edward Thompson, Stephanie Brown Kelley, Rachel Elizabeth Brown, and Rebecca Jeneé Brown; and one great-grandchild: Jayden Lee Kelley. He was also preceded in death by a brother: James Richard Thompson. Friends will be received from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, with a Prayer Service at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Monte Shinkle officiating. Friends will also be received from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 30, 2016, at the Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, Tenn. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 30, 2016, at the Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, Tenn. Interment will follow in the Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, Tenn. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com