July 22, 2024, 79, Seven Springs —

At about the two o’clock hour in the early morning of Monday, July 22, 2024, Johnny Raiford passed away at his new home (The Cabin) of which he was most proud.  

Mr. Raiford, 79, whose legal name was John Henry Raiford, was raised at Grady’s Crossroads in Wayne County.  Upon his graduation from Seven Springs High School, he migrated just up the road a few miles and began a life-long career of farming in which he produced tobacco and grain crops, and also many vegetable varieties for market.  Involved in various programs and associations to help the American farmer, he was president of the N. C. Vegetable Grower’s Association.  A member of the Pricetown Volunteer Fire Department, having been a past chief, he was also a member of Zion Methodist Church.

Son of the late Benjamin Braxton “Brack” and Estelle Grady Raiford, he had been married to Shirley Ann Faucette Raiford, who departed in 2007. 

He leaves behind his three children and their spouses, Dawn Raiford of Greenville, Leigh Ann Raiford Odom and Andrew Odom, of Greenville, and Jon B. Raiford and Amy Herring Raiford, of Seven Springs; five grandchildren, Jarret Raiford and wife, Claire, of Huntersville, Jordyn Raiford Hayes, and husband, Hunter, of Seven Springs, Justin Raiford of Seven Springs, Leighton Dawn Odom and Lauren Davis Odom, both of Greenville; a great-grandson, Riven June Hayes of Seven Springs; and another great-grandson, Baby Hayes, who “is on the way.”  Also surviving are three sisters and brothers-in-law, Judy Raiford Moye and George Moye, Jr. of Goldsboro, Dr. Sandra Raiford McCullen and Randy McCullen of Dudley, and Lindsey Raiford Howell and Jimmy Howell of Goldsboro; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Phil and Carol Faucette of Mount Olive;  several nieces and nephews; many cousins, and many dear friends.

The Raiford family will receive friends at the residence, Johnny’s Cabin, at 5147 N.C. Highway 111 South, Seven Springs, on Wednesday, July 24, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held by the graveside on Thursday, July 25, at 10:00 a.m. at Pineview Cemetery, Seven Springs.  Presiding will be Pastor Doug Johnson. 

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial gifts be made to Zion Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o Larry Shivar, 343 Billy Price Road, Seven Springs, NC 28578.