RAYFORD D. INGRAM was born to the parentage of Arthur D. (Ike) Ingram and Emma Lou Fitts Ingram, in Longview, Texas.
He attended Longview public schools. At a very young age (during his preteen years), Rayford began working for Mr. Robert Holloway, Sr., owner of Bob’s Nursery. It was during this time that Rayford developed a love for all things colorful and green, meticulously working with his hands to design some of the most beautiful landscapes, throughout homes and businesses across East Texas and Louisiana, many of which still display his artistry.
Rayford was baptized at a young age and attended Growing Valley Baptist Church. He later rededicated his life to God as a member of Lewis Chapel CME Church. Rayford continued to grow in his faith and began his ministry over 20 years ago. Most recently he was the pastor of Springfield CME, Tatum, Texas.
In addition to his gift of using so many variations of plants and flowers to paint colorful landscape tapestries, Rayford had a passion for cooking, fishing at Lake Fork, which was his favorite fishing spot, hunting, hosting large family and community cookouts. He was very proud of his culinary skills.
He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur D. (Ike) and Emma Lou Fitts Ingram, and Walter Mack, Sr., maternal grandmother Clara Mae Fitts, siblings Robert L. Mack, Walter Mack Jr., Lawrence Dixon, Sr., and Jessie Wauford.
Left to cherish his memory, until reunited in Heaven are his children: Aaron Willis, Sr. (Brittany), Tysha Ingram, and Tiffany Ingram; siblings: Deborah A. Fitts, Dana M. Fitts Davis, Lydia Ingram Bridges Ogujuba Carter, Tammy Ingram Mitchell, Tim Ingram, Sr., Cassandra Ingram, Elizabeth Parker (Clifford), Sharon Rossum (Shelby), Doris Richardson (Lavert), and Lee Andrea Benton; His grandchildren, who truly loved and will miss their “Paw‐Paw”: Brenton Ingram Johnson, Elysia Alexander, Canaan Newton, Tommie Austin IV, Aaron Willis, Jr., Khloe, Khaza, and Mason, his expected granddaughter, Ava Rae Willis, and his goddaughter, Tacora Austin.
Also left to cherish his memory is his life partner and fishing partner of 13 years: Ms. Gloria “Lil Mama” Sheffield.
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