Rayford "R.P." Perry Glaze

Rayford Perry Glaze, 97, of Lorena received his heavenly reward Thursday, October 28, 2021 with his daughters by his side at his home.  Funeral services will be 10 am, Tuesday, November 2, 2021 with Brother Pat Cummings officiating, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Greenbriar Cemetery in Gatesville.  A visitation with the family will be 6-8 pm, Monday, November 1, 2021 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.

Rayford was born June 26, 1924 to Sally Maureen (Jones) and Joseph John Glaze in Gatesville, Texas.  Growing up during the Great Depression, school was never real important, he preferred working on the family farm and for the neighboring farms. His preference was always being outside and especially loved working with cattle. In 1943, He joined the Army and proudly served his county during World War II, receiving multiple honors and awards.  When he returned home from the war, he married the love of his life, Mary Lee Burt, and the couple enjoyed 73 years of happy marriage, a union which produced 3 girls, 6 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren.

Rayford worked at the Waco VA hospital for 32 years, while running his donut shop with his wife, Mary.  He also was a homebuilder and developer, providing many families homes in the Hewitt and Woodway area for over forty years.  In retirement, he returned to his love of ranching, purchasing his own ranch in Lorena, where his family have a multitude of fond memories of spending their time.

Rayford loved big, he was known for his love of family first, working hard, caring for animals, and being patriotic.  Rayford was a family man and loved his tight knit family more than anything.  He had an amazing sense of humor, often pulling pranks and jokes on all.

Those welcoming him into heaven, his beloved wife, Mary; daughter, Glenda Dill; granddaughter, Kristi Fuller; sisters, brothers, and numerous family members.

Left to carry his legacy, daughters, Mary Ann Smiley; Vickie Sparks and husband Danny; grandchildren, LeAnn and husband Jose, Melissa, Elizabeth and husband Brian, Ashley Ray and wife Shelly, and Lacey and husband Steven; 24 great grandchildren; and 6 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews; and special caregiver, Shelia Merkledove.

Registry for Rayford Glaze