Mr. Rayford Leon Mize, 84, passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009 at the Mississippi State Veteran’s Home in Oxford, MS. He was born in Paris, MS to the late Ontis and Lee McGonagill Mize. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, who served during WWII. During his working life he was self-employed as a farmer and carpenter. He was a member of New El Bethel Baptist Church in Tula, MS and the American Legion Hut in Water Valley, MS.
The visitation will be held Friday, July 24, 2009 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, MS. The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Sockwell presiding. The committal will be held in New El Bethel Cemetery in Tula, MS with Calvin Mize, Tyler Mize, Bill Dennise, Kenny Harmon, Chris Harmon, and Lee Pruitt serving as pall bearers.
Mr. Mize is survived by his wife of 42 years, Grace Mize of Paris, MS; son, Reggie Mize and wife Maria of Oxford, MS; two grandchildren, Christopher Randall Mize and Mollie Kate Mize.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, two brothers, and one grandchild, Ryan Randall Mize.