ATHOL- Rayburn E. Rushford, 81, of Lynde Street, died early Tuesday morning, February 2, 2021 at Alliance Health of Baldwinville.
Born in Montgomery Center, Vermont on March 3, 1939, he was the son of Urban and Rachel (Lumbra) Rushford and grew up in Montgomery before moving to Athol, Massachusetts during Junior High School. He graduated from Athol High School in 1957.
On July 27, 1963, Rayburn married Barbara (Mallet) and have enjoyed over 57 years of marriage and raising their children.
Rayburn had served in the Army National Guard.
Rayburn worked for Pete’s Tire Barns for 30+ years as a salesman before retiring. He previously had sold cars for Tedford Motors and Ellis Pontiac and Toyota, both formerly of Athol.
Rayburn had enjoyed hunting, skiing, cars and motorcycles, as well as traveling to Cape Cod and Maine.
Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara Rushford of Athol; a son, Craig Rushford and his wife, Cheryl Azza, of Methuen; daughters, Raquel “Kelly” Gauvin and her husband, Stephen, of Athol, and Laryssa Robideau and her husband, George “Kip”, of Rochdale; grandchildren, Sydney Gauvin, Maria Robideau and Boden Robideau.
Rayburn is also survived by his mother, Rachel Rushford, of Athol; several cousins including Nancy Magill of Orange and Ruth Quinlin of Athol who were like sisters to him; as well as his cat, “Dudley”.
Rayburn was predeceased by his father.
There are no calling hours.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 12 noon in Silver Lake Cemetery, off Horrigan Avenue, Athol.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Athol High School Scholarship Fund, 2363 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM
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