Rayford McLaurin
Rayford John McLaurin, 91, died on Tuesday, July 29, 2014.
Mr. McLaurin was a retired professor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A native of Mississippi he was the son of the late Colon and Elma Harper McLaurin.
He was a graduate of Bowling Green University and received his MBA at the University of Alabama. He began his teaching career at Auburn University and retired from UTC as a professor in the School of Business after 33 years of service.
He was a former member of the First Baptist Church Golden Gateway and the Waters Sunday School Class and was currently a member of Brainerd Hills Baptist Church.
He was past master of the Temple Masonic Lodge # 430, member of both the York Rite and Scottish Rite, 33rd Degree Mason and past Potentate of the Alhambra Shrine Temple and member of the Legion of Honor. He was a past board member of Shriners Children's Hospital in Lexington, Ky., and served as a board member of the Volunteer Energy Cooperative from Hamilton County.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Willsie McLaurin.
Surviving are his four daughters, Marilyn Spickard of Harrison, Donna (Jim) Robert of Chattanooga, Denise (Jim) Fitzsimmons and Michelle (Bradley) McCawley both of Cleveland, TN; three grandchildren, Matt Spickard, Keely and Jay Fitzsimmons; brothers and sisters, Averilee Welch, Imogene Collins, Elbin McLaurin, Kenneth Rayborn, and Glenda Duckworth.
Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, at the funeral home, with a 7 p.m. Masonic Service.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, at the funeral home with Reverend Billy Dean officiating.
Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children (1900 Richmond Road, Lexington, KY 40502) or Caris Hospice (5959 Shallowford Road, Suite 551, Chattanooga, TN 37421).
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 404 South Moore Road.
Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.