Rayford Leon Gist, age 80, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017. Visitation was Thursday, Oct. 5, from 6-9 p.m. at Spry-Williams Funeral Home. The service will be today at noon in the funeral home chapel with Brother Jerry Campbell officiating. Burial will be at Jessie’s Garden.
Mr. Gist worked hard for many years as a self-employed business owner and a construction foreman. He was very active in the Zip City community as a founder of the Zip City Fire Department and chairman of Chisholm Heights Water Department. He was very passionate about his Native American heritage with the Cherokee nation. He loved spending his free time riding his Honda Goldwing trike across the U.S. with his beloved wife.
Mr. Gist is preceded in death by his parents, Isom and Dean Gist; brother, Jimmy Gist; and great-grandchildren, Braxton and baby Harville.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mrs. Faye Thornton Gist; sister, Sue Ahonen (Carl); sons, Rayford Leon Gist Jr. (Teresa) and Ronnie Gist; daughter, Rejetta Bowman (Mark); grandchildren, Brandy Harville (Neil), R.J. Gist (Candace), Brittany Gist, and Mackenzie Scott; and great-grandchildren, Bailey Gist, Anna Harville, and Greyson Hope.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Gist, R.J. Gist, Mackenzie Scott, Steve Watkins, Mike Bradley, and Daryl Ahonen.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Butler and Sammy Martin.
The family would like to thank his friends who stayed by his side during his illness and also a special thank you to Alacare Hospice and Dr. Jonathan Parker and his staff.
You may sign the guest register at sprywilliams.com.
