Rayford Williams

  Rayford Williams transitioned to glory on Friday, December 2, 2022 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Known for his big smile, love of family (and Cadillacs), Rayford had a heart for others and was always ready to lend a helping hand. 

  Rayford was born in Marlow, Georgia. He graduated from Springfield Central High in Springfield, Georgia.  He moved to Springfield, Massachusetts in 1960.  Rayford was a member of Gethsemane Church of Jesus Christ where he served as a deacon, treasury assistant, and food bank helper.  Rayford was a former employee at Pratt and Whitney, Monsanto Corp., and a supervisor at Uniroyal Tires.  After Uniroyal closed its’ Chicopee plant, he began working for General Dynamics in Groton Connecticut as an onsite truck driver and retired in 2000.  Because he enjoyed staying active, he came out of retirement and went to work for J. Polep in Chicopee as a truck driver.  He retired officially in 2010 at the age of 72. 

  Rayford is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gladys (Sullivan) Williams of Springfield, Massachusetts;  two daughters, Lynnette Smith of Springfield and Cindy Smith of Chicopee, Massachusetts;  two sons, Gregory Williams and Ronald Williams, both of Atlanta, Georgia;  a sister, Valerie Williams of San Francisco, California;  a brother, Jason Williams of Sacramento, California;  eleven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.  His memory will be treasured forever. 

The wake is 10-11 a.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Progressive Community Church of Jesus Christ, 599 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery.

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