Ray Lanford

Rev. Ray Lanford, 86, of 132 Campton Circle went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Born in Spartanburg, SC, he was a son of the late Guy E. and Clara Neves Lanford and loving husband of Alice Green Lanford. He was a born-again believer and faithful member of Dependent Baptist Church.

Ray was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam conflict, having served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force. His tours-of-duty carried him to many states and to Japan, Canada, and Germany. He received many awards and citations while in the Air Force, one of which was the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, but his greatest service was to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

While still in the military, Ray helped organize the Fellowship Baptist Church in Berlin, Germany, which ministered to the military families in Berlin. After retiring from military service he answered the Lord's call to preach and faithfully ministered as pastor of Wingo Heights Baptist Church, which he attended as a young boy. The church grew and moved to its new location where a new sanctuary was built and the church name was changed to Harvest Baptist Church. Ray served as pastor for over 10 years. He served two terms as President of the S.C. Independent Baptist Fellowship. He loved and promoted missionaries and their work. Although he was not pastoring in his later years, he stayed busy serving the Lord through the local church.

There are few grandsons of Civil War veterans still living today, but Ray was one of them. His grandfather served in Company H 3rd Battalion Light Artillery of S.C. where he was a chief bugler.

Ray's hobbies and talents were many. He loved custom cars, and wood and metal working was one of his favorite pastimes. His creativity seemed endless, and there was almost nothing that he could not make or repair. Examples of his work could be seen in his home and in the churches where he served. He had made anything from a pulpit to a church steeple. The computer became a great part of his life as it gave him the ability to put into print his Sunday School lessons, much needed church materials, cards, and letters.

Ray was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family dearly and was loved by all. He was from the old school; his word was his bond, and he was a good neighbor and friend.

Surviving along with his wife Alice are children, Doris Lanford Ashcraft (Tim) of Taylors, SC; Steve Lanford (Robyn) of Lexington, SC; and Danny Lanford and fiancée, Tiffany Spencer, of Simpsonville, SC; grandchildren, Becky Ashcraft; Diane Ashcraft Pfaunmiller (Steve); Porsche Lanford Knight (Jordan); and Evelyn Lanford; step-grandchildren Olivia and Ava Spencer; and great-grandson Jacob Knight. He is predeceased by brothers Dennis, Alvin, and Donald Lanford, and sister Hazel Lanford Willingham.

The family is at the home and will receive friends 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM, Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Harvest Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 PM conducted by Revs. Joe Geddes and Frank Bryant. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to thank the staff of Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills for their care of Ray during his last illness.