I worked with Rayford and Louise  at Iredell Memorial Hospital.  We became friends when I told Rayford that I knew his brother, Charles. .I would tell him when I saw his brother Charles and in return, he would tell me when saw him.
Our supervisor, Virginia McLelland and Rayford were very close friends.  Virginia would constantly say to me “Gwen we are going to see Rayford”!  We did not get to go see Rayford but I hope to see Rayford, Virginia, Louise, Charles and all our dear love ones and friends in the resurrection hope.  Rayford was an extraordinary dedicated worker.  He loved his family and he loved to talk.

Ray and Fredy - 1993  - Negev Desert, Israel

From Retired Israeli General Fredy Zach (Part 2): 

I was never at the U.S and a visit there was a dream. At April 1983, this dream come true, I joined Army flight to U.S and landed in Washington for a week. Ray waited for me generously with flight tickets touring the entire Highlight in America: The big apple, Orlando and all monuments in Washington DC. This unique trip and the time that we spent together, talking, drinking and sharing same room, combined us totally. We used to say, like brothers. 

The meeting with Ray brought me success in my carrier. I promoted to General, appointed as senior negotiator in some delegations for the Peace negotiation. I also started to give lectures to the Jewish communities, regarding Peace and Security. These activities brought me frequently to the U.S., for the benefit of Ray and myself.

Up to the year 2011, I visited the U.S about 18 time and in each visit Ray and myself made sure to meet and travel to different destination such as Hawaii, New Orleans, Virginia, Florida and other amazing places.

Ray also visit Israel about 5 times, he also brought his sisters (Louise, Ruth, Dorothy) escorted by Reverent Hill. Ray also brought his nieces Anita and Natalie for a visit. In  each Ray’s visit, to Israel, we used to travel to a neighboring country to Israel. In 1996 we were in Jordan, 1998 in Cyprus, 2001 in Turkey, in 1999 we traveled to Ireland, were Ray’s routes are from. We loved visit together, drinking and enjoy good food.

From Retired Israeli General Fredy Zach (Part 1):

“To the memory of my colleague and best friend Rayford Bost”

The unbelievable meeting and unique friendship between Ray and myself, was not luck, it was God Providence. 

At the Year of 1980, PBS TV made a special program: 1980-West Bank Story, which Col. Zach (Governor of Hebron), was part of this program. Learned later on, that Ray watched the program and decided to contact the Governor…

One day at late 1980, Col. Zach received a letter addressed to the “Governor of Hebron via Israel” asking if possible to have some info and stay in touch…something inside me direct me to send a letter back and the rest is only History.

We started to communicate by letters, I found Ray an educational person, well organized and very neat in his writing. In one of my letters, I invited him to visit Israel. Ray happily decided to visit Israel for the first time and I was so proud for his decision.
Ray arrived to Israel at fall 1981, I welcomed him outside the Arrival hall, it was not difficult to recognize each other, there was an immediate “Click”, Ray looked the same as I imagine, tall, strong, with big smile. We spend a week together, visiting Israel, meeting with my family and even spend some time to visit the West Bank. One thing I noticed and learn, Ray does not like spicy food, he prefer Pizza and McDonalds…

Rayford was the last sibling to pass.  I will always treasure his trips to visit us in Las Vegas, with his friend Fredy.  So many memories with Rayford,  and he will be missed more than words can express.

...continued....

I later chose to join the Air Force over the other branches of the military because I knew how proud and happy you would be that I followed in your footsteps. When I was stationed overseas, you wrote me every single day - I would get clumps of letters and read them like a book - and you could write letters! Your care packages were famous -  you sent enough for me to share with many of my friends. Through my life, you  always provided faithful support and love - knowing you were always there for me, was the most beautiful gift you gave. 

As an adult, I really enjoyed traveling with you to Israel, hosting you in my homes, taking you to nice restaurants, sending you gifts and food that I thought you may like, sending t-shirts and photos from my travels, taking to you often, visiting you through the years, and trying to give back in some small way all that you had given me.  I told you often, but I hope you knew in your heart how much I love  you.

I enjoyed watching you travel and hearing of your adventures after you retired at a young age to North Carolina to be with your sisters, brothers, and other family. I know those were the happiest years for you and as Anita said the night you died, we know there was a huge, raucous party in heaven with your siblings - you all knew how to really have fun together - and that brings us peace.

Rest in peace, Ray, and know that you were loved by many. 

"Neen"

Ray, it has taken a week for me to write this very sad goodbye to you. I cannot imagine my world without Uncle Ray in it. It was so hard to see and hear you struggle these last few years, but I feel peaceful that you are with God and your beloved sisters, brothers, and friends who passed before you. 

When I think of you, I think of your kindness, gregarious fun nature, big smile and laugh, always thinking of others before yourself, your love for your family and friends, good food, old movies, travel, and generosity to others.  You were always headstrong, but I'm sure that helped you get through the last few years, even if you drove Anita and I little crazy as we tried to get you to accept care from others in your home! You had a strong constitution and knew exactly what you wanted to the end. Your goodness and kindness was always so bright. 

You were there when I was born and were a steadfast presence my entire life, feeling more like a second father to me than an uncle. I always knew you were there for me from as far back as I can recall. Shaun and I treasure all of the memories of almost every weekend with you when we were kids - dressing up in your old Air Force uniforms and boots, endless toys, movies, Doritos, fun food, museums, the children's farm, playing hide the spoon and blindfold,  amusement parks, driving your car on your lap, feeding the ducks, going to playgrounds, and just hanging out with you because you were so fun and kind. You took us on our first airplane trip and many fun vacations. I just recall the feeling of going to Uncle Ray's when we were young - we couldn't wait for the school week to be over because there were so many adventures awaiting us beginning Friday night. I am positive mom and dad loved it too because they got a break from their two younger rambunctious kids!

You were at every important moment in my life and I always appreciated so much your steadfast presence - you always showed up.

RIP Rayford 🙏  I wasn't technically family but you treated me like I was.  Our many years of discussing foods,  family  and yes even politics  was very special to me. You will be missed.  Love you Leigh

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Rayford Weston Bost

2 juillet 1931 – 29 janvier 2024

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home

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