Rayford J. Samuel

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Rayford James Samuel, 72, of Davis Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, on Monday, October 22, 2021, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

   Born in Evergreen, Alabama, he was the fourth of twenty-three children born to Jimmie Samuel and Minnie (Williams) Samuel.  The family moved from Alabama to Mansfield, Ohio, and eventually Rayford settled here in Springfield, 28 years ago.

Mr. Samuel is a United States Air Force Vietnam Era Veteran. However, he is most well known in the Springfield community as a retired Corrections Officer for the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, retiring from that position in 2011.

  He leaves to cherish his memories, a daughter, Vivian Irene Berry;  two very special young ladies, Bree-Anna McKenzie and Saleema Raymond;  four brothers, Cornelius Samuel, Willie Samuel, Halvaster Samuel, and Michael Samuel;  ten sisters, Madeline Carr, Carrie Redmon, Ruthie Samuel, Bessie Taite, Sherry Ewing, Theresa Ewing, Ruthie Samuel, Katie Samuel, Kathy Samuel, and Jeanette Hall;  his grandson, 2nd Lt. Christian T. Berry;  four children that were near to his heart, Zavyion Dejesus, Ryan Peguero, Sel’ien Baxter and Gwendolyn Baxter.  He was preceded in death by his parents;  two brothers, Johnny Samuel and Lewis Samuel;  five sisters, Ruby Roach, Lola Bell Dees, Minnie Samuel, Lynn Samuel, and Jessie Daniels;  and his longtime girlfriend and love, Mrs. Gwendolyn Bowden

Mr. Samuel was a very proud gentleman, loved by many, and who loved his family and friends unconditionally.  The calling hours will be 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Thursday (Veterans Day) at Harrell Funeral Home,   The interment with military honors will commence at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

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