Gerald Lamar Rayburn

Gerald L. Rayburn, 82, of Cordova, Tennessee, passed away on January 5, 2023, at the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, Tennessee.

Gerald or Jerry was born to parents J.P. “Jake” Rayburn and Mable Lucille Britt Rayburn, on January 21, 1940, in Como, Mississippi.  Gerald graduated from Como High School in 1958.  Upon graduation, Gerald joined the United States Navy serving as an airman at Barber’s Point, Hawaii.  Following his discharge he returned to Como, Mississippi, where he soon met his wife of 58 years.

Gerald is survived by his wife, the former Mary Lois McCamon of Batesville, Mississippi. Gerald is also survived by his sons, William “Billy” P. Rayburn and wife Darlene of Cordova, Tennessee, and Bobby H. Rayburn and wife Kelli of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  He has three grandchildren, Annika L. Rose (Patrick) of Memphis, Tennessee, Eli M. Rayburn of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Stella R. Rayburn of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Gerald is also survived by one brother, Harry Rayburn (Josefina) of Tupelo, Mississippi; four sisters-in-law, Martha Rayburn of Crenshaw, Mississippi; Peggy Rayburn of Sardis, Mississippi; Dot Rayburn of Sardis, Mississippi, and Diane Rayburn of Canton, Mississippi. Along with his parents, Gerald is preceded in death by five brothers, Johnny Rayburn, Franklin Rayburn, Tommy Neal Rayburn, Larry Rayburn and Otis Rayburn.

Gerald was known for his love of family, church, baseball and friends.  He spent a great portion of his life coaching baseball in the Canton Dixie Youth Baseball organization.  He served many terms on the school board of Canton Academy as well having leadership roles with the Canton Academy Athletic Booster and Band Booster Clubs.  When not coaching baseball, he spent his free time driving the bus for the youth of First Baptist Church of Canton, Mississippi. While living in Canton, he greatly enjoyed his work and friendships cultivated at Madison County Equipment Company, Nicholas Equipment Company and Strong’s Auto Parts.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11:00 am (visitation beginning at 9:30 am) at the Breeland Funeral Home in Canton, Mississippi with burial to follow at the Natchez Trace Memorial Gardens in Madison, Mississippi. The family asks that in lieu of flowers people make memorials to the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House, 1520 W. Poplar Ave., Collierville, Tennessee, 38017.

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