Johnny Rayford Stephens

Johnny Rayford Stephens

Johnny Rayford Stephens was born February 23, 1942, in Shamrock, TX, to the late John Alan & Ola Farrell (Marrs) Stephens. He died on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at his home in Sulphur, at the age of 82. He and the former Ms. Hazel Fay Gilley were united in marriage on May 19, 1964, in Wynnewood, OK. To this union were born two sons, Johnny Ray and Rex.

Johnny, better known as Rayford, grew up in and around Sulphur, with his childhood being spent in the Hickory area. After graduating from Hickory High School, where he was active in the FFA, he began a career in the construction industry working as a backhoe operator. Throughout his 40 years in that industry, Rayford was employed with several companies, including Telco and CD Brown Construction.

Rayford loved working with his hands. He enjoyed spending time in his shop doing wood works. He also had a passion for collecting antiques, which he and his family often referred to as "Rusty Gold". Many of his antique finds were transformed into yard art, which he proudly displayed. Rayford routinely visited the Sulphur Dog Trade each Sunday morning, as well as other flea markets, hoping to land his next piece of "Rusty Gold".

Rayford was an active member of the Oak Grove Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. In addition to his devotion to the church, Rayford was also active with the Boy Scouts when his grandson Joshua was a member, as well as volunteered at the Sulphur Nutrition Center where he helped set up seasonal decorations and running various events for seniors.

Survivors include his loving wife, Hazel; two sons Johnny Stephens & wife Kathy of Bedford, TX, and Rex Stephens of Sulphur; five grandchildren, Christopher Stephens, Ashton Drury, Jordan Riley, Joshua Stephens and Connor Porter; great-grandchildren, Riley and Blaine Whiten, Reagan Drury, and Brett Drury; three sisters, Jessie Crall, Jean Trout, and Betty Stephens & husband Danny; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, others preceding Rayford in death include three sisters, Fern Hampton, Nora Pitt, and Diane Sutton.

A service to celebrate Rayford's life will be held at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Oak Grove Church.

Services are "Entrusted To" HALE'S Funeral Home of Sulphur, OK.

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.