Rayford "Ray" Marshall '74
June 30, 2017 8:27 AM
updated: June 30, 2017 8:30 AM
Published in Tyler Morning Telegraph on July 1, 2017
Rayford Ray (Marshall) Marshall(12/16/1951 - 6/18/2017)
December 16, 1951
June 18, 2017
Homegoing Service:
Lake Houston Church
of the Nazarene
5616 FM 1960 East Humble,Texas
77346
Saturday, July 1, 2017
11:00 am
Rayford R. Marshall was born on December 16,1951 in Tyler Texas to Willus D. Marshall, Sr. and Bennie Louis (Smith) Marshall. The third of ten children, he was a steadfast pillar within his family and community. Brought up n the faith of our Lord, he lived
his life as a true testimony to the goodness of God.
Rayford attended Robert E. Lee High School of Tyler,Texas, where he was the firdt African American to be named "Mr. Robert E. Lee.' Voted as "Most Likely to Succeed," he graduated as a National Merit Semifinalist. He went on to attend Texas A&M University where
he excelled. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets, a Fish Drill member, and a Ross Volunteer. In 1974, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Following his tenure at Texas A&M, he attended the University of Houston, where he would
graduate with his Masters of Mechanical Engineering.
On July 6, 1973, Rayford was joined in holy matrimony to Burnice Johnson of Willis,Texas. With a marraige ordained by God, together, they were blessed with 6 children. These vows would remain the pinnacle of their marraige until his passing.
In December 1974, Rayford was commissioned to the United States Air Force as a 2nd. Lieutinent. During his time in the Air Force he served as missle launch commander until he was honorably discharged. Upon exiting the USAF, he would work for Exxon Chemical
Plant as a progect engineer. In 1996, Rayford used his engineering expertise to open Marshall Engineering Corporation and for the next 21 years he would serve his community at home and abroad, using the work of his hands.
Rayford is survived by his wife, Burnice Marshall, his mother, Bennie Lois Marshall, 6 children, Carl Marshall Sr., Demarco Marshall, Amanda Marshall-Guillory, Ashley Marshall, Matthew Marshall, and Anna Marshall, 15 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 6
brothers, 3 sisters, and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.