age 96, of Midfield joined his maker on July 24, 2006 while surrounded by his loving family. He retired from US Steel in January of 1975 and spent many loving years with his wife Ophelia until her untimely death in 1994. Raymond loved the Lord and served Him faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, deacon and elder in Fairfield Highlands Presbyterian Church. He also served as their main maintenance man keeping the building in excellent repair. In the last 12 years he faithfully attended FFH United Methodist Church where he became deeply loved and loved in return. The Living Waters Emmanus Community knew him fondly as "The Better Half" where he served with his wife. Raymond was a very generous man who believed "you should not store up treasure for yourself here on earth" in that he often did plumbing work for his "widow ladies" for a very minimum fee; only charging so their dignity would be kept. He was predeceased by his wife Ophelia, his son Charles Grady and 2 great grandchildren, his sister Mary Frances Johnson, brothers Duggan and Albert Boartfield. Survivors include his sons, Jesse Raymond, Jr., (Dottie) of verbena, Curtis Duggan (Jo Anne) of Dallas, TX; daughters, Betty (Sonny) Dollar of Midfield, Faye (Jeff) Wilkes of Pleasant Grove, Kaye Riley of Midfield and Lois (David) Cash of Alabaster; 17 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Honorary Palbearers: Ronnie Flippo, Tim McClendon, John Spinks, Charles Roe, Tacky Johnson and Paul Mashburn. The service will be Thursday, July 27, 2006 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Valhalla Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 26, 2006 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Brother Bryan Missions or a charity of your choice.