Raeford Daughtry

Mr. Raeford Daughtry, 77, of Newton Grove, NC went home to be with the Lord on July 25th, 2022. He passed away peacefully at his home per his wishes. The funeral will be held at Oak Grove FWB Church, Newton Grove, on Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 at 6:00 pm followed by visitation. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 28th, 2022 at the Warren Family/Oak Grove FWB Church at 10:00 am.

Raeford was born November 9th,1944 to Frank and Rena Bass Daughtry and was proud to say he was “born in Sharecake and raised in Basstown, NC.” He graduated from Hobbton High School in 1963 and earned his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education from NC State University in 1968. His life took him many places but he always considered Sampson County home. As the first person in his family to have an opportunity to attend college, he made the most of it and dedicated his life to helping others.He strongly believed in Four F’s: Faith, Family, Fellowship, and (love of) Food. He was a devoted husband of nearly 57 years to the love of his life,Willa Dean Parson Daughtry and was father to three sons.

Raeford began his career as a teacher at Southern Wayne High School where he enjoyed teaching Ag Education. He was then given the opportunity to buy a fertilizer, seed, chemical, and hardware store in Newton Grove, NC that started as Rainbow Farm Center and later, Daughtry Farm Supply, Inc. which he operated for over 40 years until retirement. Agriculture was a lifelong passion of Raeford’s, not only in business but also in growing crops of his own on a large scale as well as having a small garden for his enjoyment. He often shared the bounty of his garden with others, not just his own family.

He always felt he was extremely blessed and made sure he “paid it forward” in his community and beyond. He was a devoted member and deacon of Oak Grove FWB Church in Newton Grove, he served as a County Commissioner of Sampson County, he was a member of the Sampson Regional Hospital Board, he worked to establish a Wellness Center for Sampson County, and served in countless other capacities that benefited Sampson County and beyond.

Raeford loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them whether it was over a good meal, watching an NC State athletic event, fishing, or some other gathering. He was a man of faith, dignity, compassion, and determination who touched the lives of so many over the years.

He is predeceased by his parents as well as siblings Willie Daughtry, Rufus Daughtry, Lewis Henry Daughtry, and Nancy Lou Daughtry Peterson as well as an unborn grandchild, Parson Grey Daughtry. He is survived by his wife, Willa Dean Parson Daughtry, sons Raeford Van Daughtry (wife Julie) of Raleigh, Jon Kevin Daughtry (wife Mary Malpass) of Newton Grove, and Michael Paul Daughtry (wife Elizabeth) of Newton Grove, as well as brother JR Daughtry of Goldsboro, James “Jimmy” Daughtry of Clinton, Mary Daughtry Jordan of Delco, and John “Johnny" Daughtry of Clinton. He was also the proud grandfather of three grandchildren Sloan, Quinn, and Anika.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oak Grove Cemetery fund at Oak Grove FWB Church. P.O. BOX 389, Newton Grove, NC, 28366.

Online condolences may be made at: www.westanddunn.com

West & Dunn Funeral Home, Newton Grove. North Carolina is honored to serve the Daughtry Family.

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