Bertram L. “Toots” Rayburn, Sr., 84, of Laurel, passed away Saturday evening, July 31, 2021 at Arbor Grove in Greensburg, where he had been a resident since October. He had battled Parkinson’s for fifteen years.
He was born October 8, 1936 in Lewis County, Kentucky, one of ten children of James L. and Ida Weghorst Rayburn and grew up in Lewis County.
On March 26, 1954, he was married to Edna Lewis. Mrs. Rayburn survives. The family moved to Indiana in 1963 and moved to Laurel in 1969.
He owned and operated the Rayburn Lumber Company for fifty years.
For many years, he served as Pastor of the Lakeview Pentecostal Church.
He enjoyed fishing and fish frys (especially when he was frying).
Survivors, besides his wife of 67 years, Edna Rayburn, include five children: Mary (Harold) Spurlock, Nikki (Derryl) Rayburn, Joe (Gayle) Rayburn, and David Rayburn, all of Laurel, and James Rayburn of Fayette County; 24 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren, and 23 great-great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bertram Rayburn, Jr.; a grandson, Michael Dwayne Blevins; and three sisters and six brothers.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Ron Russell at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 5, 2021 at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home, where friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Burial will be in Laurel North Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.