Rayford Weston Bost

Rayford Bost, age 92, of Statesville, North Carolina passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024. Rayford W. Bost was born on July 2, 1931 in Statesville, North Carolina to Lizzie and William P. Bost. He grew up on the family farm with twelve siblings - four brothers and eight sisters - all of whom were older than he except for his baby sister, Dorothy.

After graduating high school, he set his sights on a life of travel and adventure when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Ray spent the next 20 years in service that included serving in the White House, traveling the world on Air Force One under Presidents Johnson and Nixon, and a tour in Vietnam before retiring in 1970. He then spent the next six years in Washington, DC as a federal civil servant, spoiling his great niece and nephew almost every weekend, before returning home to North Carolina to spend fun times with his twelve brothers and sisters - Albert, Kenneth, Francis, Charles, Evelyn, Rachel, Lois, Mary Lizzie, Louise, Inez, Ruth, and Dorothy.

Ray never knew a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. He traveled often and had a wonderful years- long friendship with retired Israeli General, Fredy Zach, and his family. Ray was kind, giving, fun, a wonderful friend to many, and a sweet, engaged uncle to his numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by numerous friends and family. He had a special affection for animals, so in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Iredell County Humane Society

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at Iredell Memorial Park on March 23, 2024 at 11:00 am. Due to the forecast for rain, Ray's service will be held in the mausoleum chapel at the cemetery.