Jerry W Rayfield 81, passed away Tuesday november 14, 2023. He was at home with his with his beloved wife, Marese, they were married for 61 years and had two children, Jerry Jr. and Melissa. Jerry was born on April 5, 1942 in Anniston, AL to Kermit Virgil and Edith McCraven Rayfield. He was the oldest of three boys; he was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Don. His second youngest brother, Gene passed away January 2, 2024.

Jerry’s youth was mainly spent in Sylacauga, Alabama. He graduated from Sylacauga High School and shortly thereafter, enroled in Auburn University as well as The United States Navy. Jerry had an appointment to the United States Navel Academy, but decided instead to marry his partner in life, Gloria Marese Weed. Jerry graduated from Auburn University with a degree in chemical engineering in 1964, and he and Marese began to build a family. They moved several times over the years: Pensacola, FL; Chattanooga, TN; Laurel, MS; Beaumont, TX; and back to Sylacauga. During his career, Jerry contributed alot to the world of chemical engineering with multiple inventions and patents during his time working for companies such at Monsanto, Masonite and Imerys in Sylacauga.

Jerry and the family were members of the Methodist church in each location that they lived. His last years were happily, spent in the First United Methodist Church of Alexander City, Alabama where he greatly enjoyed singing in the choir. He and Marese lives in a beautiful home on lake Martin for slightly more than 25 years. For those years in Alex City, they were able to be near their son Jerry and his family which included their three beautiful grandchildren: Courtney. Caitlin, and Cameron. In the summer of 2019, they decided to move to Tarpon Springs, Florida. For four years, Jerry was able to enjoy spending time with his with his daughter’s family which included his other three grandchildren: Justin, Jacob and Savannah.
He got to participate in their busy lives and spent those years doing some of the things he loved most: traveling to places like New York City, Indianapolis, and Key West; gardening and raising vegetables in his back yard; watching football games on Saturday and Sunday with his boys; and spending time with family and his “girls”– their three cats. Jerry was a lifelong Auburn fan and watched every minute of every game–no matter what. He bled orange and blue–the Ultimate Auburn man.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Marese Weed Rayfield; his son, Jerry W Rayfield, Jr.; his daughter, Melissa Rayfield Taylor; and his son-in-law, Albert N Taylor. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Kermit Virgil and Edith Ruth as well as his brother, Donald. His middle brother, ThomasEugene Rayfield, passed away shortly after Jerry. He is also survived by sisters-in-law; Mary Jeannette Weed, Sylvia Stagner, and Carol Rayfield as well as brothers-in-law: Lynn Weed and Daniel Stagner. Jerry is also survived by his 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 8 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.
Jerry’s Celebration of Life will be Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the First Global Methodist Church, 310 Green Street, Alexander City, AL. Vistitation with family will be from 9:00-11:00 am and the service will begin at 11:00 am. All are welcomed to attened. **One special request from the family–to show Jerry some love, we would like for attendees to wear orange or blue (or both) rather than black, if you are so moved. For those who wish to send a rememberance to the family, in lieu of flowers, a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation would be greatly appreciated (www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org).