James Rayford Gilbert

James Rayford Gilbert, age 83 of Calhoun passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Gordon Health Care. Rayford was born in Gordon County on July 7, 1937, a son of the late James Robert Gilbert and Odell Dodd Gilbert. In addition to his parents, Rayford was also preceded in death by a son, Bobby Ray Gilbert. He was employed with Gene Bowen of Calhoun Millworks, and later was a self-employed carpenter and home builder with his brother Dan for many years in Calhoun and Gordon County. He was a member of the New Town Baptist Church and was formerly a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church near Resaca. Rayford is survived by: one son, Randy Gilbert and his wife Kim; two daughters, Renee Fay Burns and Tina Martz; one daughter-in-law, Regina Gilbert; four brothers, Danny Gilbert and his wife Lynne, Michael Gilbert and his wife, Wanda, Phil Gilbert, and Ted Gilbert and his wife Kara; one sister, Judy Smith and her husband Ted, his best Grand Ole Opry buddy; eight grandchildren, Joshua Tedder, Travis Martz, Ashley Martz, Ariel Martz, Johnathan Harbour, Chass Gilbert, Eric Burns, Heather Medders, and Brittany and her husband Stephen; four great grandchildren, Haylen Tedder, Braxton Medders, Zayden Medders, and Acedon Medders. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 3 PM from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with the Reverend Walter Hare officiating. April Price will have charge of music. Burial will follow in Chandler Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Sheldon Medders, Josh Tedder, Brad Price, Ricky Smith, Braxton Medders, and Eric Burns. They are asked to meet at the funeral home at 2:45 PM Wednesday. The Gilbert family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Thomas Funeral Home. In addition to flowers, memorial contributions may be given to New Town Baptist Church. Covid-19 precautions are respectfully requested for the family and friends. Thomas Funeral Home has charge of arrangements for the services of Rayford Gilbert