Rayford A. Simpson

Rev. Dr. Rayford A. Simpson, 78, of Abbeville, died Thursday, October 4, 2012 at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, GA. He was born in Abbeville to the late Roger T. and Euphie King Simpson. Dr. Simpson was twice married, first, to the late Lora Mae Ray Simpson and second, to the late Maggie Weaver Simpson. He received his bachelor's degree from Augusta College, master's degree from New Orleans Theological Seminary and doctorate from Luther Rice Seminary. Dr. Simpson was a dedicated Southern Baptist Minister with over 50 years of service to many churches throughout the southeast. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Abbeville County VFW Post #6087. Dr. Simpson was devoted to preaching the gospel and being a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In addition to his wives and parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Thompson M. Simpson, Cecil M. Simpson, Ansel K. Simpson, R. Jack Simpson, Gordon W. Simpson and George Simpson; and two sisters, Ann Beard and Elizabeth Craven. Dr. Simpson is survived by three daughters, Phyllis Moxley of Vidalia, GA, Lisa Driggers and her husband, Ronnie, and Wendy Stack and her husband, Jerry, all of Augusta, GA; seven grandchildren, Lora, Brandon, Jamie, Ginger, Dustin, Baylee, and Bryson; and eight great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 3:00PM Sunday, October 7, 2012 at South Side Baptist Church in Abbeville. Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery. Memorial contributions, in memory of Dr. Simpson, may be sent to the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Office of Institutional Advancement, 3939 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70126. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com. HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES of Abbeville is assisting the Simpson family.