Franklin Shinn Rayfield

Franklin S. Rayfield known affectionately Frank, of Grandview, Missouri, passed away at the age of 91. Born on January 28, 1934, in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, the son of Bart Thomas Rayfield and Sarah Estelle "Sadie" Wactor, he was a member of the graduating class of Chesterfield High School in 1952. After completing his secondary education, he joined in the Army and served honorably at NATO headquarters in Turkey. Serving from the years 1953-1955, his captain encouraged him to seize the opportunity of education with his GI Bill benefits instead of re-enlisting.

Frank's academic journey led him to the University of Georgia, where he joined Sigma Pi fraternity and graduated in 1960, majoring in Agricultural Economics and Agronomy with a minor in Statistics. After he graduated, his professional career flourished at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), where he began as an underwriter. Later on, he became a statistician with the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC). With the exception of a few years in the early 1970s, when he joined the private sector as a project manager for J.P. Stevens in Charlotte NC, he spent his career with the USDA, transferring to the Data Processing division at a time when the USDA was adopting the cutting edge technology of the day - the IBM main frame. He adapted to the technological advances of the time and ultimately rose to the position of Director of Field Operations, leaving a lasting impact and inspiring those around him.

In 1958, Frank married Lillian Rae Gardner (daughter of Nelson and Francis Gardner of Chesterfield SC), creating a loving home for their two children, Angela "Angie" Rayfield and Lawrence Thomas "Tom" Rayfield. After Lillian's passing in 1978, he found love again, marrying Shelby Jean Begley (daughter of Guy and Mabel Begley of Stoutland MO) in 1981, who brought joy into his life. Frank is survived by his beloved daughter, Angie, and a cherished great-grandson, Mason Kitzi. He is deeply missed by all who knew him and was preceded in death by both of his wives, his son, and his niece, Madison Rayfield.

He was a kind and generous man - the sort of person that everyone turned to as a problem solver. His home was the unofficial gathering place for a wide assortment of his kid's friends, and they all became his family, too. He loved to fire up his grill and would happily cook Carolina-style bar-b-que for a crowd. He also enjoyed fishing, and for many years was a member of a group that headed to Canada every summer for a week on the lake. He loved people and socializing, and was always happy to swap stories with everyone he met.

Through it all, Frank radiated warmth, joy, and a genuine love for people—always ready to share a story and listen to those around him. His legacy of kindness and community will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be remembered with love and fondness.