Russell Rayfield

Russell " Mutt" Hobson Rayfield, Jr., 85, of Bessemer City, passed away on August 8, 2016 at Wendover Hospice, Shelby. He was born on October 23, 1930 in Gaston County, to the late Russell Hobson and Sallie Toney Rayfield.

He attended Bessemer City Schools and left early to work and help support the family when his father passed away at a young age Mutt worked hard all of his life in several areas, Osage Mill, Globe Mfg. and retiring from Fiber Industries of Shelby. He volunteered for year calling bingo at White Oak Manor where he was recognized several years as "Volunteer of the Year". He had a special way with the patients, making his "Cancer" bracelets and necklaces, he began making these after he was diagnosed with cancer and while he was taking treatments. He gave them to churches, nursing homes and friends. He also volunteered at Tyronota Fire Department for many years. He enjoyed going with the men of the church once a month to Captains Cap and raising and showing off his goats. Mutt had many close friends from his days of fishing, sitting around talking at Bill Ormonds and his loving church friends at Long Creek Presbyterian where he was a member for approximately 56 years, sang in the choir and was a good friend to all of the little children who all ran to meet him every Sunday.

He was preceded in death by his brother B. F. "Boyd" Rayfield and wife Alma Lee; sister Florence Lankford and husband Raymond.

Mutt is survived by his loving devoted wife of 56 years Betty Bridges Rayfield; brother Howard H. Rayfield and wife Jill of Charlotte; sister Mary Jane R. Bumgardner and husband Gene of Bessemer City. Numerous nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, at Long Creek Presbyterian Church, Kings Mountain with Dr. Charles Davenport and David Saldo officiating.

Interment will follow at Long Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 12, 2016 at Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services, Bessemer City.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff and workers at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby for their wonderful care and comfort while he was there.

Memorials may be made to Long Creek Presbyterian Church 701 Long Creek Rd. Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or to Wendover Hospice House 953 Wendover Height Dr Shelby, NC 28150