When he entered the world, the Rev. Rayford L Gardner broke the mold as a one-of-a-kind individual. On November 30, 1932, Jesus placed him into the world. More than 92 years later, on August 24, 2025, Jesus took him to his heavenly home. Rayford, the second born son of the late Rev. Mildous Gardner and the late Iva Mae Tucker Gardner, was raised in West College Hill(The Sub), Cincinnati, Ohio, where many of his relationships were cultivated. He enlisted in the Marine Corps, was honorably discharged, and started to travel the world. During a stop in Columbus, Ohio, he met his first wife, Mildred. This union gave birth to Rayford Gardner Jr., also known as Chip. His firstborn's nickname came into being at his birth when he looked at him and exclaimed "a chip off the block." His son's uncanny resemblance to him couldn't be denied. He loved Chip immensely and considered him the apple of his eye. Chip remained the only child until he later married the greatest love of his life, Shirley Gardner. They created four children: DeLisa, Melvous, Mellanie and Ivye. Although he had five biological children, he also claimed six bonus children: Donnie, Mary, Jimmy, Betty, Janet and Cassandra. Rayford was a gifted man, and one of his talents was that of a brick mason — a skill cultivated by observing and working with his father. With his eyes closed, he could lay bricks. Numerous homes and businesses were graced by Rayford's meticulous, impressive skills. He was a blueprint of a manly man. Think of any task that required adept skill of hands, and Rayford could do it well. On paper, he had a GED. Yet, he proved to be a PhD. A single conversation with him was proof enough for people that he was a wise and masterly man. The sageness he possessed was rooted in his love an array of books. His most beloved book was the King James Version of the Holy Bible. He read the entire Bible countless times, and he could talk about it all day with anyone willing to listen to, learn about, and share the beauty and power of it. In his mind and heart, Rayford believed his greatest legacy was passing on his love for God to his children. Yet, they weren't the only benefactors of growing and knowing the love and salvation Jesus gives. Friends of his children who met him quickly recognized that he loved God, and he would immediately share the Good News of Christ Jesus with them. Basically, regardless of who they were, Rayford was going to make sure they knew about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. His love for Jesus was always in the forefront, but in the background, he had a love for bowling. It was one of his cherished hobbies. As a boy, he set pins in the bowling alley before Blacks were permitted to bowl. After closing hours, he and a childhood friend were allowed to bowl.  He became an extraordinary bowler, passing his love of the sport to his family. Until her death Shirley bowled. His sons, daughter, and grandson continue to enjoy bowling with the same enthusiasm he held. Like all mere humans on Earth, Rayford's wasn't perfect. Still, he was loved and admired for the man he was. During the 14 years he lived without his beloved Shirley, he made it his mission to deepen his devotion to Christ. He attended First Missionary Baptist Church — his church home — and looked forward to every Sunday and any gathering that allowed him to fellowship with the Body of Christ. In Rayford's world, gathering was a joy because he never encountered a stranger. No matter where he was, people knew him because of his extroverted character. The folks at the dry cleaners knew him. The folks at Perkins knew him too. It was one of the restaurants where he ate many meals, and employees came to know him and his family. He was no Methuselah, but Rayford predicted he would live to be beyond 100. Well, he came close to making that number. The people who loved him wished he had, but Jesus always knows best. In his time on Earth, he lived enough of life to leave an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of multitudes that will sorely miss his earthly presence. Rayford was preceded in death by his devoted wife: Shirley; siblings: Christine, Mary Jane, Maldives, Robert, James and Naomi; three bonus daughters: Mary, Janet, and Cassandra. Rayford leaves behind a loving family: two sons, Rayford "Chip" Jr. and Melvous "Mel" (Tisa); three daughters: DeLisa "Lee," Mellanie "Boo," and Ivye "Birdy", two bonus sons; Jimmy (Evelyn), Donnie, and bonus daughter, Betty; 23 grandchildren: Marty, Jamie, Tony, Jessica, Shirlisa, Ayanna, Christyraye, Chris, Shirraye, Kordell,  Chycora, Isaac, Julius, Corryana, Myah, Corey Jr., Melvous Jr., Orlando, Carmel, Ti'Melrah, Ti'Karah, Jaylin, and Mylen; 13 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends, including his pastor, brother in Christ and just like a son, the Rev. Lewis Cartwright.