1927
Robert
2017
Robert David Raiford
December 27, 1927 — November 17, 2017
Robert David Raiford, 89, of Concord, NC, died November 17, 2017 at home. He was born December 27, 1927, the youngest son of Philip B. and Kathryn Crowell Raiford. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Kathryn C. Lambeth and brother J. Philip Raiford.
Bob was born in Concord, NC and graduated from Concord High School in 1946. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication, both from the University of South Carolina. He spent his entire career as a television and radio personality in such places as Washington, DC, New York, San Francisco, Charleston, SC and Charlotte. For the last 30 years, he was a self-proclaimed opinionated, unapologetic curmudgeon on the John Boy & Billy Show at WRFX in Charlotte, gaining fans and foes alike. A stroke in August of 2015 caused his "early retirement" at the age of 87, something for which he was clearly not ready.
Born with much verve and blessed with much vitality, Bob enjoyed many varied interests, including reading, writing, traveling, marathon running, piloting his Piper Cub, parachute jumping, and motorcycling (beginning at age 60). He took much delight in the many years of riding his Harley Davidson cross country with the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. He did that well into his 80's. He also loved dogs, sunsets and sipping Gentleman Jack.
Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kelia, and sons, Ray (Wanda) of S.C., Roger (Carol) of N.Y., Richard (Miguelina) of N.Y. and daughter Kay R. Peters of Concord, as well as six grandchildren and several nephews, a niece and his beloved dog, Rocky.
We offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our dear friends and family, Bob's devoted and tireless therapists for the past 2 years, and a wonderful caregiver for the last few weeks.
In keeping with his wishes, Bob was cremated without ceremony or memorial.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
-Dylan Thomas-
On-line condolences may be left at www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com
Wilkinson Funeral Home is assisting the Raiford family.
Bob was born in Concord, NC and graduated from Concord High School in 1946. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication, both from the University of South Carolina. He spent his entire career as a television and radio personality in such places as Washington, DC, New York, San Francisco, Charleston, SC and Charlotte. For the last 30 years, he was a self-proclaimed opinionated, unapologetic curmudgeon on the John Boy & Billy Show at WRFX in Charlotte, gaining fans and foes alike. A stroke in August of 2015 caused his "early retirement" at the age of 87, something for which he was clearly not ready.
Born with much verve and blessed with much vitality, Bob enjoyed many varied interests, including reading, writing, traveling, marathon running, piloting his Piper Cub, parachute jumping, and motorcycling (beginning at age 60). He took much delight in the many years of riding his Harley Davidson cross country with the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. He did that well into his 80's. He also loved dogs, sunsets and sipping Gentleman Jack.
Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kelia, and sons, Ray (Wanda) of S.C., Roger (Carol) of N.Y., Richard (Miguelina) of N.Y. and daughter Kay R. Peters of Concord, as well as six grandchildren and several nephews, a niece and his beloved dog, Rocky.
We offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our dear friends and family, Bob's devoted and tireless therapists for the past 2 years, and a wonderful caregiver for the last few weeks.
In keeping with his wishes, Bob was cremated without ceremony or memorial.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
-Dylan Thomas-
On-line condolences may be left at www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com
Wilkinson Funeral Home is assisting the Raiford family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert David Raiford, please visit our flower store.
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