Aug. 5, 1927 – Sept. 17, 2012

BROOKHAVEN — Services for Rayford Jewel Huff, 85, who died Monday, Sept. 17, 2012, will be at 3 p.m. today at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Red Star Ward, of Brookhaven.

Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Brookhaven Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until service time today at the church.

Mr. Huff was born Aug. 5, 1927, in McCall Creek, the son of Hoyt Benjamin Huff and Ardie Ola Smith Huff.

Mr. Huff served 30 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a lieutenant colonel. His military time was spent in the Army Reserve, the National Guard and Active Duty.

Rayford worked for and retired from International Paper Company in Natchez. He later worked for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as facilities manager and retired from that position after 10 years of service.

Rayford served as bishop for the church. He and his wife, Helen, served two missions for the church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, H.B. Huff, Samuel E. Huff and Lynas A. Huff; one sister, Wanza E. Huhn; and two great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Helen June Calcote Huff; six children, Willie Ray Huff and wife, Joni, Gwendolyn H. Clarke, Paula H. Blalock and husband, Tim. D., Pamela H. Dansie and husband, Rex, Suzette H. Sullivan-Cronin and husband, Eric, and Barry K. Huff and wife, Kay; 23 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.