Rayford J Sanders

Rayford James Sanders, affectionately known as “Ray Ray” or “Uncle Ray” entered into eternal rest peacefully at INOVA Hospital on Monday, May 24th, 2021.  Rayford was born to Grady Sanders, Sr. and Lillie Wigfall Sanders on February 13, 1966 in Washington, DC.  Rayford was the youngest of seven siblings.

Rayford was educated and resided in the Washington, DC area for the majority of his life until more recent years when he settled in Arlington, Va.  He spent his life at various jobs as a HVAC/maintenance professional.  He attended Mt. Bethel Baptist Church with his parents and siblings at a young age.  That love and belief in God stayed with him throughout his life, not only in good times but even through trials and tribulations.  Rayford would be praying, thanking the Lord for all the good.  No matter where he went he found a church home and encouraged others to come.  Even through Facebook he was spreading the Word and sharing prayers.  He is known to family and friends alike as caring, fun, generous, full of laughter and jokes with love for all, including every little animal you could name, especially his pet parrot “Joshua”.  You could always visit him and expect to see yet another “little friend” he had taken in to love that would make you say “what is that”?  Being the youngest of seven, “Ray Ray” could also tend to want his way and look out if he didn’t get it.  He surely will have a few words to say or none at all!  Then call you back with all the love and jokes.

Rayford leaves to cherish his memories two sons: Rayford William (Lil Ray) and Jonathan Bell (Johnny); two brothers: Grady Sanders, Jr. and Charles Sanders, Sr.; four sisters: Marionette Nyako (Toodie), Mattie Sanders, Cherrette Sanders and Teresa Sanders; Great Uncle and Aunt Pernell and Arlene Johnson; one Aunt Addie Roberts (Aunt Chang); ten nieces: Octavia, Danyell, India, Nadia, Tameka, Stephanie, Racquel, Theresa, Tiara, Renee; four nephews: Ned, Derrick, Calvin and Quinton; eleven grandchildren: Jordan, Adrian, Aaron, Ryan, Kiley, Kennedy, Logan, Kassidy, Rayford, Jalani, and Marley; beloved great nieces and nephews and a host of other adoring relatives, special friends and loving neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents Grady Sanders, Sr. and Lillie Sanders; two sisters Pamela Redfearn and Stephanie Cuthbertson; two uncles James Sanders, Sr. and Edward Daniels; two aunts Marionette Sanders Daniels and Ruby Sanders; one nephew Charles Sanders, Jr.

“He will be missed on earth.  May his presence continue to be felt from heaven.”

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